FREE long-stay places at key locations in Blackburn town centre forms a major part of a new parking strategy.

Shoppers who just want to nip into town could also benefit from plans to offer ultra short-stay parking, from 20p for 12 minutes, rising gradually up to an hour.

Free parking on the market roof, from 8am to 10am and 3pm to 6pm, Mondays to Fridays, will also be considered.

Eco-friendly electric car drivers will be entitled to free parking on all council off-street car parks as part of the strategy.

Blueprints have already been unveiled for a new 500-space multi-storey car park, at Feilden Street, behind Waves.

But with new Blackburn College, and a possible new courthouse, on existing car park land in Alma Street, Brewery Street and Simmons Street, the supply of long-stay spaces will be severely limited in future.

An effort will be made, according to the strategy, to bring under-utilised car parks on the town centre periphery back into use more with long stay locations such as Freckleton Street becoming free.

Blackburn with Darwen council leader Coun Colin Rigby said: "The main aim of this strategy is trying to attract people back into the town centre.

"We are up against the likes of Preston and the Trafford Centre and the situation is competitive. This is going to help convert people to stay with us."

John Wilding, a partner at outfitters Gray's, which has shops on Penny Street and Northgate, said: "People just don't want to pay for parking so if we make it harder for motorists then they will go elsewhere. But at least the council is trying to do something about it.

"I just hope motorists will not be discouraged," said Mr Wilding.

The proposals also outline plans to make Northgate, outside King George's Hall, pedestrian only, which he believes would harm trade.

Mr Wilding also favoured a multi-storey car park in Penny Street, besides Thwaites's brewery, as this would be closer to shops than the Feilden Street proposals.

The strategy is also floating the idea of installing digital messaging boards at key locations around the edge of the town centre to give details of available car park spaces, highlight potential hold-ups, transmit public safety messages and warn motorists of diversions.

Running alongside the car parks consultation is a tandem exercise concentrating on traffic management.

Officials are investigating whether the orbital route between Copy Nook and Lower Audley Street can be upgraded - this could involve the realignment of Lower Audley Street, especially around the canal bridge bottleneck.

Four closed loops' enabling drivers to access the town centre will remain - Mincing Lane/ Darwen Street/King Street, Alma Street/Feilden Street, Penny Street/ Eanam/Salford and Preston New Road/ Ainsworth Street.

Three new satelite bus zones' at Feilden Street, Darwen Street and King Street would serve Blackburn College and Waves, the cathedral quarter and cultural quarter. Whether Penny Street should be made bus only in one direction is also being explored.

Views can be made before October 1, by calling 01254 585394, writing to Room 411, Town Hall, Blackburn, BB1 7DY, or e-mailing transport policy@blackburn.gov.uk