A COUNCIL has been unable to repair retractable traffic bollards in a pedestrianised town centre shopping street because of demand for parts following recent terrorists attacks.

The traffic management and safety devices in Church Street, Blackburn were put back in working order in June after having been out of service for three months, during which there were a number of ‘near misses’ and small accidents.

In July they were repaired, but 48 hours later the bollards taken out of service over fears they might rise under a vehicle passing over them.

This led to criticism from traders leaders and Cllr John Slater, leader of the council Conservative group surrounding pedestrian safety

Now Blackburn with Darwen Council highways boss, Cllr Phil Riley has revealed that the retractable bollards at the Darwen Street end of Church Street and in Fleming Square have been repaired.

But the devices in the middle of Church Street between The Grove public house and Blackburn Market have not because of a lack of available parts.

This is the location of several near misses and small accidents including a collision between a delivery van and a Volkswagen Safira in June.

Cllr Slater and Tony Duckworth, president of Blackburn and District Chamber of Commerce, have accused the borough council of failing to ‘think ahead’ and make proper preparations for problems.

Cllr Riley said: “We have repaired the bollards on Fleming Square and the Darwen Street end of Church Street which stops it being used as a rat run by drivers.

“However we have been unable to complete repairs on those in the middle of Church Street because of a shortage of available parts.

“This is because of a high-demand for retractable bollards world-wide after recent terrorist attacks involving vehicles running down pedestrians including Westminster Bridge, Barcelona and London Bridge.

“The parts are ordered and will be fitted as soon as they become available.”

Cllr Slater said: “I understand the problem but you have thought they could have sorted this sooner or kept spare parts.

“It shows a lack of forward thinking.”

Mr Duckworth said: “While I understand the problem, it’s not an excuse for failing to keep the parts necessary for this type of repair.”

Malcolm Marsden, owner of Whittakers Butchers in the market, said: “I understand the current problem.

“However it would have been better if the council had done the repairs earlier in the year. It is a matter of safety.”