PLANS to install traffic lights at the junction of Birch Hall Avenue and Blackburn Road in Darwen have been scrapped, council bosses have confirmed.

The lights had been intended to follow those at Hollins Grove as part of the £40million Pennine Reach transport improvement project across East Lancashire.

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Those in charge of the scheme had said the lights would communicate with those at Hollins Grove to improve traffic flow along the A666.

But after thousands of complaints over the chaos caused by the new lights, council bosses have confirmed plans for a further set of lights at Birch Hall have been scrapped.

Cllr Maureen Bateson, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “After further discussions with local residents, ward councillors and the local schools it has been agreed that the junction at Birch Hall will remain as a mini-roundabout, but will include enhanced crossing facilities.”

Although the finer details of the facilities are yet to be confirmed, the Lancashire Telegraph understands a zebra crossing will be installed.

Birch Hall Avenue resident Stephen Potter said: “I had seen what looked like some surveyors out and my fear was they were going ahead with the lights.

“They would have caused more problems than they solved.

“We have got enough problems with traffic going up and down here now.

“Birch Hall is like a race track now and getting out at the end can be very awkward.

“So it is a big bonus that those lights have been scrapped.”

Sudell councillor Paul Browne has been campaigning against the Hollins Grove lights since they were installed.

He said: “I am over the moon with that. At least that is one obstacle out of the way.

“Now they just need to sort the Hollins Grove ones out.”

Darwen MP Jake Berry said: “It is about time Blackburn with Darwen Council started listening to people here in Darwen. “ “I am very pleased that they have now seen sense and are scrapping the planned lights at Birch Hall. “This is a step in the right direction and a victory for our campaign to end the traffic chaos on the A666.

“I will be continuing to put pressure on the council to take down the hated lights at Hollins Grove which are still causing misery for everyone who lives here and drives through our town.”