A LONG-closed road bridge over a canal is to be re-opened.

Blackburn with Darwen Council regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley has agreed to the move to allow a development to take place.

Davies Road, which crosses the Leeds Liverpool Canal near the Whitebirk Industrial Estate in Blackburn has been closed for many years.

Cllr Riley said: "This bridge has been closed for many years.

"Now we have been asked to reopen it to allow a development connected with the Whitebirk Industrial Estate which we are happy to agree to. We will be introducing some parking restrictions in the area to make sure the bridge is safe to use."

A report to Cllr Riley from the council's growth and development director Martin Kelly said: "Davies Road crosses the Leeds Liverpool Canal at its southerly end.

"Some years ago, the bridge was barriered off due to fly tipping and to prevent unauthorised access to the area of the land over the bridge. The structures team has recently received a request for the bridge to be reopened.

"It is proposed to extend the existing double yellow lines on the west side of Davies Road across the bridge to prevent obstruction and provide clear access for vehicles crossing the bridge."