HIGHWAYS bosses in Blackburn are going back to the drawing board after firefighters complained that a new parking scheme has left roads blocked to fire engines.

Surely, when planners are drawing up schemes to calm traffic, they must take into account the size of the vehicles which may have to use them.

Remember Ainsworth Street in the centre of Blackburn?

After months of work to create a buses-only area, what couldn't negotiate the parking bays? A bus.

In the latest case the council says it will make changes, subject to consultation with local residents.

But if fire engines cannot get to emergencies, there is no time for consultation.

Lives are at risk.

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