THE Darwen road system could have potentially dangerous consequences for road users,' police have said.

Sergeant Mick Young, from the area's road policing unit, came up with his verdict after visiting the town to analyse the controversial new system.

Sgt Young was invited to look at the traffic flow through the town by traders along Duckworth Street after concerns about safety for pedestrians on the system and a loss of trade due to the new layout.

The network was changed as part of a £1.4 million road improvements by Blackburn with Darwen Council to regenerate the town.

The new system allows motorists to drive along Duckworth Street but they cannot continue straight ahead to join Bolton Road.

Market Street and The Circus are restricted access and no-entry zones.

And motorists are directed to drive around the town centre along Bury Street and Green Street as part of the new system.

More than 20 drivers have received £30 fix penalty notices from police for disregarding the road signs.

Improving Darwen's road network amid widespread anger at the revamped town centre system is an aim of the Lancashire Telegraph's 'We're Backing Darwen' campaign which we launched in a bid to help revitalise Darwen.

Sergeant Mick Young said: "I walked around town with one of the traders, Dave Grogan who owns Solitaire Ladieswear, and I saw situations that have the potential dangerous consequences for road users.

"What I saw was drivers here are confused as a result of the town centre road layout.

"It is going to take some time to analyse the road system and speak to council officials about the findings.

"The emergency vehicles have to struggle through standing traffic on most days since the roadworks have been done.

"Also, due to the congestion through Darwen town centre, motorists are seeking alternative routes, through residential areas, to drive across town."

Council bosses from the new ruling coalition have acknowledged that the system has caused problems, but say they do not have the money to carry out any alterations.

The work was carried out when the Labour group ran the council.