UPGRADES to bus shelters in Darwen have been hailed as ‘the best part’ of a major scheme to improve public transport in the borough.

Three shelters in the town centre are to have real-time information installed this month as part of the Pennine Reach scheme.

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The £40million government scheme will see transport links between Blackburn, Darwen and Accrington transformed and has included new bus stations for Blackburn and Accrington.

Cllr Brian Taylor, Darwen Town Council leader and borough councillor, said: “For a long time we fought against having a bus lane in the town near the motorway as part of the Pennine Reach.

“That didn’t work but it is very nice to have something come into the town that we do want.

“The real-time information screens are the best part of the scheme in my opinion and we have always wanted them in Darwen.

“It is great to be able to see exactly what time your bus is going to arrive and whether it’s going to be late.

“I think it’s a really good move and Darreners will enjoy the convenience it brings.”

In 2010, calls were made for Darwen Town Council to stop the Pennine Reach bus lane near junction four of the M65 which objectors believed would be a ‘disaster’ for the town.

The information screens will display the time the next bus is due to arrive, where it’s going and whether there is any delay.

The screens can already be seen on many shelters in Blackburn town centre.

Bus lane enforcement began in the borough last weekend after a two-week notice period to drivers and residents warning them about a possible £60 fine if they are found using bus lanes.

It is expected that the scheme will cut bus journey times between town centres by five to 10 minutes encouraging people to make more use of public transport.

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “The scheme is all about delivering faster public transport particularly in areas where people are travelling to work.

“We hope that people will be more keen to use public transport when they are given a better experience of bus travel.”