WORK to resurface the rear of Bank Street cost the council more than £25,000 – even though it claimed to know nothing about it at first.

The alleyway on one side of the street was resurfaced last month, with two metal bollards fitted in the centre to prevent motorists driving through, and wooden fencing put up along the back walls.

Following an investigation, Blackburn with Darwen Council said it appeared to have no record of any works being authorised on the site, or any invoices for costs.

A week later, council leader Mike Lee said the confusion was caused by a breakdown in communication between the council’s housing market renewal department and Capita.

The total cost to the housing regeneration capital programme was £25,287.

After the work had been done, Coun Dave Hollings hit out at the council for spending money “willy nilly” and not consulting local councillors, or residents, fully.