A PUB landlord has slammed council planners after roadworks led to an influx of motorists driving the wrong way around a one way system in Blackburn.

Derek Haworth, who runs the Fox and Hounds pub in Albion Road, a stone’s throw from Ewood Park, spoke out after police apologised for the traffic hell caused by the Pennine Reach roadworks before and after Rovers’ FA Cup clash with Liverpool last week.

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Motorists were stuck in traffic for almost two hours after the game, while supporters also experienced congestion near junction five of the M65 prior to the 7.45pm kick-off.

Chaos ensued near the Ewood gyratory, in Bolton Road, as roadworks connected to the £40 million Pennine Reach scheme hindered the 28,415 fans heading home from the stadium at around 9.45pm on Wednesday.

Tailbacks along the A666, Livesey Branch Road, Albion Road and the surrounding streets meant some drivers were still in queues near the ground at 11.30pm.

But Mr Haworth said numerous drivers had been seen driving the wrong way down the one way road outside his pub — but said he does not blame them.

He said: “I can understand why anybody who does not know the area is doing it because the sliproad they come out of is pointing up the hill past the pub, so it would be normal to think the road goes that way.

“Blackburn with Darwen Council needs to put some lights and signs up before there’s a serious accident.

“The lighting around here at night now is non-existent.

“It’s just complete and utter chaos.”

Following last week’s cup game, which was Rovers’ first home sell-out since 29,867 turned up to see Man Utd win the Premier League title in May 2011, the council’s network manager Stuart Scott said: “This was the highest-attended game for five years, with an estimated 28,500 fans attending, so for games of that volume there will often be quite severe delays.

“The signage and road system has not changed and there are specific match day conditions put in place.

“The same would apply for any other major stadia event which also attract similar complaints.”

An injury-hit Rovers lost the game 1-0 after Philippe Coutinho’s 70th minute goal.

Cllr Maureen Bateson, who represents the area on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “I was at the match on the night and I would say that the traffic was gridlocked but it was not chaos.

“Crowds at Ewood Park have been half of what they have been and there are also significant roadworks in the areas as well.

“We were expecting more coaches to come from Liverpool and more people arrived late because it was an evening match.”