PARTNERS in the £2 million Blackburn Boulevard scheme inspected the flattened site and learned about the shape of things to come when the project is finished in six months' time.

The massive refurbishment will involve the complete rebuilding of the bus station, with new covered walkways and better lighting.

The railway station, a listed building, is being renovated and the re-roofed. Brickwork will be cleaned and the clock restored to working order.

A new pick-up and waiting area will be provided for cars.

The scheme is a joint venture. Blackburn City Challenge and Railtrack are each contributing £750,000.

Blackburn Council will give at least £155,000, Lancashire County Council is contributing £115,000 and the Railway Heritage Trust is paying £30,000. Blackburn council development services committee chairman Coun Gail Barton said: "This is an excellent example of local partners working together to produce a quality scheme which will contribute significantly to the regeneration of Blackburn town centre.

"It will complement the work which has already taken place in the shopping centre and the markets."

She added: "We recognise there will be some disruption, but I am sure people will realise the importance of the scheme."

County council chairman Graham Davies said it was clear the modernisation could not have taken place without the partnership.

He was pleased the county council had been able to contribute towards the cost, in addition to the £1 million it spent last year towards public transport in the borough.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.