Blackburn with Darwen Council is experiencing temporary issues with its phone lines, IT systems and website.

Engineers are investigating the cause of the problem and we aim to get it resolved it as quickly as possible.

The election line is running but we are aware some people may be experiencing difficulties getting through. Please be patient and keep trying.

People will still be able to contact the Council with any queries about voting in today’s EU referendum.

The council’s website is currently unavailable and updates will be posted on its news site at www.theshuttle.org.uk and via twitter @blackburndarwen.

The Council’s deputy chief executive, Denise Park, said: “We are investigating the cause of this problem and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"The election line is running but may be busy and we ask the public to only use it if they have a query about voting in today’s EU referendum.

"We are aware some people may be experiencing difficulties getting through, please be patient and keep trying.

“We hope to be able to re-establish the main phone line into the Council’s contact centre later today.”