MORE than 600 people have launched a campaign to re-open a road in Blackburn.

Robinson Street, which joins Little Harwood and Whitebirk, was shut last year as part of rebuilding plans for a school.

The safety of local youngsters was sited as the main reason for the closure, between Philips Road and Whalley Old Road.

It was officially closed off last summer.

But now businesses and residents have called for a review of the closure after claiming that many local shops are struggling to survive.

One businesswoman, Leanne Barnes who runs Little Harwood Confectioners, said trade has dropped by more than a third because of the road closure.

And local councillor Norshad Surve said not enough consultation was carried out before the closure took place.

A petition has now been handed to Blackburn with Darwen Council that contains 633 signatures.

The council said that in the last five years there had been six casualties on the street and that the street’s proximity to St Stephen’s primary school, a children’s centre and a sports pitch made it dangerous for vehicles.

Mrs Barnes said she has had to lay off two members of staff as a direct result of the road closure.

She said: “The road is a link to the heart of Little Harwood and we have seen our trade decimated because it has been shut off.

“I think most people understand that maybe stopping cars at school start and finish times is a good idea but during the day the closure is just harming the community.

“We had a lot of people coming over from the Whitebirk business parks but now no-one comes.

“The road closure was done with almost no publicity and no signs were put in place to explain a diversion.”

Coun Surve added: “The closure did not take into account the views of the community. It has now been an ongoing concern for some time for residents and people want to see something done.

“Many of the businesses and residents feel ignored and that their welfare and interests are not being looked out for.”

A report to Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning committee said: “The road closure had the overwhelming support of the community, staff and parents of the school.

“But council officers have attended numerous meetings in the Little Harwood area since the implementation of the scheme and they have been asked to consider various adaptations.”

The issue will be discussed by councillors on Thursday.