A MAIN route into Blackburn became gridlocked after a rush-hour smash involving a bus and a car.

A Vauxhall collided with the 244 Rossendale Transport bus service ferrying students from Bacup to St Mary's College in Blackburn.

The accident took place in Redlam, close to its junction with Buncer Lane, at around 8am yesterday. The road is a main route into Blackburn from Chorley and the M65 at Hoghton.

Details of injuries sustained by those involved have not been released by emergency services, who were called to the scene.

It is not thought anyone was seriously hurt.

Police took witness statements at the scene.

The road has caused concern to Blackburn with Darwen Council in recent months because of heavy parking on both sides.

In the past, heavy parking has been used to try and block planning applications in the area, although those objections have been over-ruled.