WORK has started on the £1.2million transformation of a busy town centre junction into a pedestrian-friendly plaza.

Blackburn with Darwen Council believes its plans to give the Sudell Cross rat-run a new look will make Blackburn town centre more attractive to shoppers.

A stretch of King William Street is being widened to create extra parking bays, before work begins on the Sudell Cross junction in the summer.

It will reduce traffic using the junction to only vehicles requiring access and will be laid out in such a way that pedestrians have priority. A statue of Barbara Castle is likely to be placed at the centre.

After that project is completed, attention will turn to the rest of Northgate, which could be pedestrianised, with a large square in front of the old police station, which could become a hotel.

£3million will also be spent improving the area the largest amount spent on a pedestrianisation project since Church Street was cobbled in 2001.

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration said: "If we are serious about making this town centre the envy of others then we have to implement root and branch changes which will be enjoyed for years to come.

"We have listened to what people have said about the scheme and made changes."

Until now, people looking to cut across the town centre and avoid the orbital route have used Barton Street, Cardwell Place and Northgate and Sudell Cross as a rat-run.

A £500,000 scheme has already been completed at the Cardwell Place end.

As a result of the work, which includes safer pedestrian access and environmental improvements, Cardwell Place between Barton Street and Astley Gate will be closed to through traffic and access to local businesses along Cardwell Place will be via Feilden Street and Barton Street.

When Cardwell Place re-opens in mid March it will be as a dedicated bus lane. Changes to traffic priorities on Barton Street will be implemented. Between King Street and Cardwell Place the direction of travel will be reversed.

Drivers will no longer be able to travel towards Waves and King Georges Hall via King Street / Barton Street or Astley Gate / Cardwell Place.They will need to use Feilden Street off Montague Street.

Access to the car park behind Lord Street West will be via the same route. The whole project is being funded using regional development agency money.