SENIOR councillors will confirm Eanam Wharf’s transformation from Blackburn’s ‘forgotten backwater’ into a the borough’s answer to the Weavers’ Triangle in Burnley.

Giving the canalside area special status as ‘conservation area’ will protect it from development pressures. Members of Blackburn with Darwen planning committee will debate a report on its new designation.

They are set to confirm the status recommended by the borough’s executive board in August.

The move will initially protect two stable blocks at Eanam Stables and Eanam Mews and the Soho Foundry from future demolition.

Coun Maureen Bateson said: “The potential of these canalside buildings and the historic townscape provides the opportunity to attract new investment and jobs.”