A MULTI MILLION pound scheme to create bus stations in Blackburn and Accrington and to improve public transport links has been given the green light.

The long-awaited Pennine Reach project is one of 21 local transport projects across the country to receive a share of £854m in funding.

The £40million joint scheme between Lancashire County Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council, will enhance links between Hyndburn and Blackburn.

The funding will see new high quality buses, improved routes and bus frequencies, improved ticketing options, modern bus stops, real time travel information and new bus stations.

County Councillor for highways Tim Ashton, said: "The announcement is excellent news. Making it easier for people to travel quickly and reliably are among the primary factors for achieving economic growth and Pennine Reach will make a real difference to regeneration in East Lancashire.

"Many people do not have cars and people who do, would choose public transport if the buses were reliable, clean and comfortable.”

The scheme originally involved a bus lane throughout, however revisions have seen the plan scaled back in areas.

This saw plans for a bus lane in Darwen dropped and some routes in Hyndburn reduced Plans, which were revised based on feedback from the consultation, also saw the Oswaldtwistle section removed.

The scheme sparked controversy because some residents faced losing parking spaces and gardens to make way for a bus lane.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s councillor for regeneration, Dave Harling said: "We will get a brand new bus station in Blackburn and a link road that will open up significant job opportunities which we are in desperate need of.”

Former Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said he was delighted the government had responded to ‘years of lobbying’ to provide Accrington with a new bus station.

He said: “This is excellent news for the regeneration of Accrington Town Centre. We have been lobbying so long and I began to believe it would never happen.”

Work on the scheme is due to start in 2013 and be completed in 2016.