A CAR showroom in Blackburn looks set to remain in place, despite concerns from residents.

The Karight Centre, an internet-based car sales business and showroom, has been operating in part of Witton Business Park, off Cartmel Road, for around a year.

Forty residents have signed a petition opposing a retrospective planning application for a change of use at the premises.

Members of Witton Residents’ Association have written to Blackburn with Darwen Coun-cil to voice concerns over large vehicle transporters, which deliver cars to the showroom.

But town hall officers are recommending that councillors on the borough’s planning and highways committee rubber-stamp the proposal.

June Carter, of Witton Residents’ Association, who lives in Cartmel Road, said the vehicle transporters cause a safety hazard, as well as a nuisance.

She said: “There seem to be a number of families who have moved into the area with young children who are playing around on bikes in Cartmel Road and the surrounding area.

“This is an accident waiting to happen because the give way lines at the junction of Grange Road and Cartmel Road give lorries and cars from the showroom priority in and out.”

According to Mrs Carter, customers often park in front of residents’ homes, rather than on the car park provided.

In addition, she said signs connected to the business were too large, and too many in number.

Susan Elwood, of Preston Old Road, said residents were pleased to see the business park occupied.

But she urged the council to impose conditions, particularly around delivery times, to ensure the Karight Centre was a considerate neighbour.

The Karight Centre sells used cars, including those from manufacturers such as Vauxhall, Ford and Renault.

No-one from Karight was available for comment.

Blackburn with Darwen’s planning and highways committee will discuss the plans at Blackburn Town Hall, at 6.30pm tomorrow.