THE building of a £9million bridge aimed at solving Blackburn town centre's traffic problems moved a step closer today as demolition work began.

The bridge will enable traffic to travel along Freckleton Street in both directions for the first time in four years.

The existing bridge was declared weak by inspectors in 2000 and only strong enough to carry vehicles in one direction.

Until now, traffic travelling from the Preston Old Road side of town has been directed either through the town centre or round the orbital route.

Funding was approved by the Government last year, and several buildings near the bridge, including the old Brewers Arms pub will be demolished to widen Freckleton Street.

The bridge will take two years to build and will be lit at night. Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, said demolition represented the first stage of exciting changes.

He added: "The removal of this derelict building is pivotal to us building what promises to become a major landmark of the town centre.

"This is a fantastic design and one which shows how serious the council is in ensuring that we want only quality developments."