CAMPAIGNERS have declared victory in the battle to get Darwen included in the name of their local motorway service station.

The move was agreed after a meeting between MP Janet Anderson, councillors and the new owners of the site -- ending 10 months of protests since it opened.

But some local people were still upset today, claiming the new name would still leave Darwen trailing behind big neighbour Blackburn.

Lincoln-based Swayfields Limited has agreed to work with local councillors and campaigners to rename the service area 'Blackburn with Darwen.'

Local people have been furious that the services is called Blackburn although it is actually sited in Darwen.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Mrs Anderson had a promise from the previous operator to look at the change and agreement from the Highways Agency, which is in charge of the motorway.

But when Swayfields' parent company of MSA Services Ltd, took over they questioned the need for the change.

Earlier this week Mrs Anderson and local councillors Dave Smith and Mary Leaver met with the firm's managing director, Andrew Long, at the service area to put the case for change.

And after the meeting, Mr Long said: "Darwen councillors, Janet Anderson and Swayfields are working together with a view to changing the name of the motorway service area at M65 Junction 4 to 'Blackburn with Darwen Services.'

A joint statement from the politicians and the company said: "We have also identified various ways of using the services to promote the economic development and heritage of Darwen and it's surrounding area.

"Swayfields have undertaken the discuss the question of signage with the regional office of the Highways Agency and Janet Anderson has undertaken to raise this at ministerial level when parliament returns next week."

A spokesman for the company said: "All things being equal, it means the service station will be renamed."

Mrs Anderson was delighted and said: "We had a very positive meeting with Mr Long, of Swayfields, and we are greatly encouraged by his recognition of the level of concern locally over the naming of these services.

"We were particularly pleased to learn that Swayfields are willing to work with us to ensure that Darwen and it's potential for economic regeneration are actively promoted within the service area."

But Roy Davies, who has long been a campaigner to get Darwen independence from Blackburn, said: "To be quite honest it's disappointing because we've just gone back to the old Blackburn with Darwen rather Darwen just standing on its own."