POLICE have warned motorists to avoid Colne town centre during the annual Great British Rhythm and Blues music festival over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Sections of the main road through the centre will be closed during the busiest periods of the festival - which attracts tens of thousands of visitors - in the interests of public safety.

Police plan to introduce the most extensive series of road closures in the festival's 10-year history to protect the crowds who throng into the streets around the various venues.

"We are expecting these events to attract a large number of people," said Sgt Phil Cottam, of Colne police. "The road closures are necessary for the safety of the public. We ask drivers to follow the signed diversion route along North Valley Road and to avoid the town centre if possible.

"Some disruption is bound to occur and we ask motorists to give more time for their journeys and, if possible, to seek an alternative route.

"People attending the events are asked to park with consideration for residents and other road-users."

Albert Road, from Bridge Street to Lord Street, will be closed from 8pm to 2am on Friday, August 27 and Saturday, August 28, and Monday, August 30 from noon to midnight.

Market Street, from Windy Bank to Dockray Street, will be closed on Sunday, August 29 and Monday, August 30, from noon to midnight.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.