IAM writing to clarify the background to the Boulevard refurbishment scheme and the related traffic issues.

Before design work began, the council sought to gather a group of people from the town who could represent all possible views about the refurbishment scheme. These included retailers, the Chamber of Trade, bus companies, amenity groups and the police.

It was clear at the first meeting that there was a wide variety of views, but, everybody was committed to achieving a top quality scheme in the area.

All present accepted that there would have to be compromise because they recognised that it was impossible to fulfil all requests.

Agreement was reached early on that the bus station must remain on the Boulevard and that the scheme must take advantage of the potential for developing a truly integrated public transport interchange, with access to buses, taxis and trains in one area.

It was acknowledged that in order to improve the area for all users of public transport and pedestrians, there would be some added inconvenience for car drivers. This was discussed at length and measures to minimise this inconvenience developed, such as the reversal of the one-way system in Bridge Street. The detailed design was then formulated through consultations with all businesses affected by the proposals, as well as with representatives of the disabled community, taxi drivers, Railtrack and North West Regional Railways. The final design was then launched at an official ceremony in the boardroom of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph in February, 1996.

The scheme is one that the people of Blackburn can be proud of, not just because it looks good, but also because it works. Buses are able to move freely and easily through the area with pedestrians feeling safe in a well-lit, sheltered and thoughtfully designed environment.

The old traffic arrangements have remained virtually unchanged. Prior to the refurbishment scheme, through traffic was not allowed from the Darwen direction, and this remains the case.

The only difference now is that there is no access on to the Boulevard itself directly from Darwen Street, except for buses, taxis and cycles. This affects very few motorists, primarly those travelling from the Darwen direction wishing to gain access to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph offices.

The borough council is currently in consultation with Railtrack about a possible improvement to the railway station which, it is hoped, will provide improved pedestrian access via the existing car park.

The council are aware of the need to relocate the very busy bus services currently assigned to the Railway Road bus stops on to the main bus station area. With the co-operation of Blackburn Transport, this relocation is to take place in the very near future.

Finally, for those few car drivers from the Darwen side of town who wish to gain access directly to the front of the railway station or the Evening Telegraph offices, may I suggest that they modify their approach by travelling along Lower Audley Street, Higher Audley Street, Cicely Lane and Salford.

COUN ANDY KAY, Chair of development services committee.

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