6:40pm Thursday 18th March 2010
By Catherine Pye
COLOUR coded footpaths should be introduced in Darwen town centre to help children find their way safely, according to a councillor.
Coun Simon Huggill is keen on the idea to install the pedestrian pathways scheme after the recent opening of Darwen Leisure Centre and the upcoming opening of Darwen Aldridge Community Academy.
Such schemes were first introduced in the 1990s in major cities such as San Antonio and Toronto.
Coun Huggill said: “I first saw this idea being used in an industrial complex for adults, and I thought it would be a brilliant idea for children.
“The road system in Darwen is quite complex for pedestrians. Vehicles are coming from every direction.
“Something like this would help the children getting off the bus at The Circus to easily find their way to proper crossings for the Academy, to the leisure centre, or even to the library.
“There could be small painted squares in different colours for each one.
“We are always trying to encourage young people to walk and be healthy, so let’s give them some help to do it.”
But the idea has not been enthusiastically welcomed by bosses at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.
Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration and environment, said: "Our priority has to be repairing and resurfacing the roads in Darwen, which is what people are asking us to do. Our budget is not endless and we have to be realistic about the money we have to spend.
"We will be improving signage around Darwen town centre, particularly for new developments like the leisure centre and the Academy."
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