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Locals fear Blackburn with Darwen Council is directing passing trade through Darwen into Blackburn, harming Darwen trade.

But the council argues that its signs, on Watery Lane and on the A666 near the Watery Lane junction, in fact direct drivers to Blackburn' AND Town centre' - meaning Darwen's town centre, not Blackburn's.

However, residents feel the signs should be clarified because non-locals will misunderstand them.

Julie Slater, 43, of Elswick Street, who is standing in the East rural by-election after the death of her father-in-law, former councillor Fred, said she had been inundated with calls from concerned residents.

She said: "I have had several calls about it as am standing for the by-election. People have been complaining that they are trying to get drivers to go to Blackburn town centre and by-pass Darwen.

"They aren't happy - if the the signs are for Darwen town centre they should be a bit clearer. It often feels like they are trying to turn Darwen into Blackburn South.

"If you are going into Darwen town centre then it really should say Darwen and not Blackburn." Julie is an independent candidate in the by-election on September 28.

It was called following Fred's sudden death six weeks ago. His family are still awaiting an exact cause of death.

Mrs Slater added: "Fred taught me everything I know about politics.

"I have been canvassing and they all say how wonderful he was as a person. It has been very emotional. If I am elected I will carry on doing what he did.

"People have phoned my mother in law to ask what could be done about the signs. They said they would normally phone Fred but now he is gone they aren't sure what to do."

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration at the council, said: "As drivers at this point are already in Darwen, the town centre clearly refers to Darwen town centre as it has a capital T and not, as is being alleged, Blackburn town centre."