THE controversial one-way traffic flow in King Street, in Blackburn, will be reversed back to inward-only on Monday by council bosses.

In 2011, the key town centre artery was made outwards-only, angering traders on the road.

MORE TOP STORIES:

In July, Blackburn with Darwen council regeneration boss Phil Riley started a consultation on reversing the traffic flow.

On Monday, it will revert to inward-only between Freckleton Street and Barton Street for a six-month experimental period.

If the new system works well, it will become permanent.

The change has been welcomed by Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade president Tony Duckworth.

Cllr Riley said: “The consultation was well responded to and most people were very keen to see this change.

“Traders asked us to bring in the change before Christmas, which is what we have done. There were good reasons for the change of direction when that decision was made.

“With the further developments in the town centre, this was a good time to review the traffic flow on King Street.

“If the response is good, it will be made permanent.”

Temporary signs will be in place to alert drivers to the alterations. The new link road between Wainwright Bridge and Montague Street, scheduled for completion by Easter next year, led to the review.

Mr Duckworth said: “It is to be welcomed that this reversal of traffic flow has been put in place.

“It is particularly welcome that it has been done well before Christmas.”