PARKING meters which were set to be installed in Darwen for the first time in February have been delayed.

Cllr Jane Oates, assistant executive member for environment on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said the main reason for the delay was the car parks in Atlas Road and Railway Road will need machines which will take new pound coins.

The equipment is set to be in place though by the end of this month.

It will be the first time drivers will be charged in the town to park their car following an executive decision from council regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley and environment boss Cllr Jim Smith.

In their report last year it was said the car parks were predominantly used by commuters and were normally full by 8.30am.

The projected income per year of the two car parks is £39,268.

The charges will range from £1.50 to £5.