THE BLUE and white colours of Blackburn Rovers will greet anyone crossing over the iconic Wainwright bridge into the town as a project to renovate the structure nears completion.

The bridge is the latest celebration of the town’s footballing heritage, its unveiling being marked with a poem celebrating ‘The Blackburn champions of 95’.

As part of planned routine maintenance, Blackburn with Darwen Council have re-painted the bridge in Rovers’ famous blue and white halves – but it will be up to four weeks before scaffolding will be removed to show it in all its glory.

It is the latest continuation of the town’s links with Rovers, with a new road crossing at Cravens Brow being painted in Rovers colours. The Fernhurst estate also carries the names of former Rovers legends, Kendall Close, Parkes Way, Douglas Close, Dalglish Drive and is accessed via Jack Walker Way.

Among those at the unveiling was Aleczander from Avondale Primary School whose poem was inspired by the Pride of Blackburn contest. That paid homage to the town’s history, his home, and Rovers.

He wrote: ‘The Blackburn champions of 95, a beacon of light that set the town alive. From Shearer and Hendry to super King Kenny, the legend Jack Walker spent many a penny.’

For councillor Phil Riley, executive member for growth and development, he hopes the design will be a boost to the town.

He said: “When I realised that it was the council’s turn to paint the Wainwright Bridge, and I was asked about a colour scheme, as a lifelong Rovers supporter there was only one answer. The bridge is a notable landmark and it’s great to see it painted in the famous blue and white halves.”

The makeover plans included consultation between the council and Rovers to find the correct paint codes for the club’s iconic colours.

And Rovers CEO Steve Waggott added: “It is a fantastic gesture by the council and we love that one of the town’s most prominent landmarks is now lit up in Rovers’ blue-and-white halves. We know how proud the people of Blackburn are of their historic football club and hopefully this will bring some joy to our supporters after a year of being unable to support their team at Ewood Park.”