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Major boost for East Lancs public transport

Public transport into Blackburn with Darwen and Hyndburn will receive almost £40m of investment after the government approved the Pennine Reach scheme.

The Department for Transport has approved the funding for Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lancashire County Council, the highway authority for Hyndburn, for a multi-million pound investment package to improve local public transport infrastructure.

The aim of Pennine Reach is to improve the bus network by providing faster, more reliable journeys and better information for passengers. It will also combat congestion, improve air quality and deliver sustainable regeneration.

Pennine Reach will promote economic growth by unlocking development sites and improving access to jobs that are created on them; reducing traffic congestion; reducing carbon emissions; and promoting easier travel so that people can travel more efficiently and at an affordable cost.

Key features include:

The development of new bus stations in Blackburn and Accrington. The regeneration of the Burnley Road area of Blackburn (Pennine Gateway) which will provide new jobs and opportunities for development. Ensuring that the Blackburn Knowledge Zone area in Blackburn Town Centre and Whitebirk Strategic Employment Sites (Hyndburn) are accessible and serviced by public transport. Complementing recent investment and regeneration proposals in Blackburn and Accrington Town Centres. Levering in of private sector contributions to support the project and invest in transport infrastructure. Establishment of a Statutory Quality Bus Partnership to secure continued investment in public transport.

The initial business case was submitted in 2009 following extensive consultation and planning dating back to 2001. Since that time 14 planning applications for the scheme have been granted consent and the scheme has been amended to take account of valuable feedback from councillors, residents and local businesses.

Councillor Maureen Bateson, Executive Member for Regeneration for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Pennine Reach is aimed at promoting public transport and making it an attractive alternative to the car.

“A better transport network is also essential for economic growth to encourage new employers to come here and give jobs to local people.”

County Councillor John Fillis, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport for Lancashire County Council, said: “Today’s announcement is great news for Lancashire and I’m now looking forward to seeing the scheme delivered.

“Public transport is vital for many people and will become the option of choice for more once it is frequent, reliable, clean, and comfortable.

“This major investment in East Lancashire’s transport network will make a real difference to regeneration by allowing more people to access jobs and education opportunities, and laying the ground for companies to invest.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .