A councillor has praised 'life saving' traffic calming measures which have been built in his ward.

Coun Iftakhar Hussain, the Bastwell representative on Blackburn with Darwen Council, has welcomed the new Mitton Street scheme, built at a cost of £9,000.

The scheme includes a raised zebra crossing near a play area to make it easier for children to cross the road. A similar project has also been carried out in the Langham Road area.

Coun Hussain said: "This area was a common rat run for drivers wanting to avoid nearby traffic signals and being so close to a play area was an accident waiting to happen.

"I believe that this scheme has now definitely saved lives and would like to thank the local community for helping make this happen."