BLACKBURN’S long delayed new £5 million bus station will open in June, borough regeneration director Brian Bailey has promised.

The complex, part of the £40 million Pennine Reach scheme to improve public transport links, was originally scheduled to open by early this year.

It has been dogged by delays and problems, including the discovery of unexpected drains and culverts, under the site of the old market knocked down to make way for the development.

Recently, work on the bus station has been stop-start with part of the specially-tailored glass panelling being applied before work stopped temporarily.

In January, Blackburn with Darwen borough executive member for regeneration Maureen Bateson promised the complex would open for vehicles and passengers ‘ in late Spring or early Summer’.

At the full borough Council Forum on Thursday, Tory group leader Mike Lee asked her when the latest opening date was scheduled.

He said: “There are fears now it will not open this summer but the winter.”

Cllr Bateson replied: “We are currently in negotiations with main contractors Thomas Barnes. It would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Cllr Lee said yesterday: “I am concerned about her answer.

“Having been told by officials it would open in June or July I expected that to be her answer.

“I want something concrete, preferably in writing, confirming a summer opening.”

But Mr Bailey told the Lancashire Telegraph: “As far as we are concerned the new bus station is on schedule to open in June.

“That is the latest programme we have had from Thomas Barnes and we have no reason to believe any different.

“There were unexpected difficulties but there have been no further problems.”

A spokesman for Thomas Barnes said: “There have been problems with unknown underground drains and design matters. Work is progressing.”

The company website’s post on the scheme in 2014, said: “The project commenced during March 2014 and will be completed in time for Christmas.”

The Pennine Reach Scheme will speed bus journey’s and includes a new bus station in Accrington.