CONTROVERSIAL plans to close off roads in Blackburn town centre have been backed by a civic and planning expert.

Doug Chadwick says the no-go areas for traffic in Church Street and Darwen Street could be the key to the town's successful future.

As the row over the Blackburn with Darwen Council's pedestrianisation programme wages, the chairman of Blackburn Civic Society Mr Chadwick says a traffic management plan is critical to the quality of life within the town.

Mr Chadwick, who is an architect and planning supervisor, said: "Comfortable pedestrian movement is one key element in the process of designing a town for enjoyment.

"Blackburn is like many towns now where walking has become difficult.

"By that I mean that wherever you wish to go you have to cross busy roads and you are constantly aware of the dangers of traffic."

However some town centre traders fear that the scheme will kill their businesses and are battling to keep the roads open. But Mr Chadwick says the key to the whole project is "through traffic" and understanding what that means.

He added: "Through traffic is that which uses the road network through the town centre for no other purpose than to go elsewhere."

He pointed out that surveys have identified that 80% of drivers has no intention of staying in Blackburn.

"The logic is relatively simple -- if through traffic is removed, then the town roads are improved and parking can be improved for the real benefit of the users of the town centre," Mr Chadwick said.

"Each area of town has its own intrinsic problems and there will always be objectors to change.

"It is my belief that the current objections are fuelled by the fear factor and the benefits cannot be seen for fear of failure.

"The debate, discussion and argument will go on but please let us go forward and make real lasting progress."

Councillor Ashley Whalley who has come under fire from the anti-pedestrianisation campaigners said: "We have found that most people would welcome the traffic ban in Blackburn town centre and we are delighted that yet another group has seen the light.

"There are only a small number of objectors but they are vociferous and the more support we get, the better."