WORK on a major scheme to ease traffic congestion through Darwen could start by the end of this month.

Blackburn with Darwen planning committee will be presented with the final detailed proposals of the scheme on January 19.

And if the plans are approved, work is expected to begin immediately.

The first phase would involve construction of a bus lane in Green Street, between Arch Street and Police Street.

The second would change Green Street and Bury Street into a two-way road as far as Arch Street, with a section between Wood Street and Duckworth Street being widened.

A one-way system would run eastbound along Green Street from Arch Street to Borough Road and westbound traffic would be sent via a one-way section of Borough Road back to Green Street.

Traffic lights would be installed at the junction of Police Street and Green Street, with the top half of Police Street becoming one-way with a direct link to Borough Road.

The bottom half of Police Street, along with Hacking Street to the west of Bury Street, Peabody Street to the east of Duckworth Street and George Street to the east of Duckworth Street, would all be closed to through traffic.

The third and final phase would include a section of Market Street, from Arch Street to The Circus, being turned into a bus and access-only street, which would provide allow pavements to be widened for shoppers.

Duckworth Street would be reduced from two lanes to one, between George Street and Arch Street, to create wider footpaths and parking bays.

But some traders remain concerned that the scheme would take passing trade away from the town centre by sending motorists along Green Street instead of Market Street.

Jenny Grogan, of Solitaire Fashions in Duckworth Street, said: "I think it is a bad idea. It is going to by-pass all the shops and passing trade will disappear.

"To move the A666 on to a road going past a swimming baths and health centre is an accident waiting to happen.

"It would be better making Duckworth Street and Market Street two-way.

"The proposed scheme means articulated lorries will have to negotiate a tight bend at The Circus to go up Bolton Road."

Darwen councillor Dave Hollings said: "This scheme is aimed at improving the traffic situation through Darwen and also supports the regeneration of Darwen town centre to make sure it has a thriving future.

"The plans have gone out to extensive consultation and the responses we have had have been overwhelming in favour of the scheme."