THE DAYS of travelling to Blackburn for key council services will soon be over for the people of Darwen.

A new-look town hall is poised to open for business this Monday in an attempt to make life easier for townsfolk.

The 115 year old building has undergone a complete facelift which includes a new customer lift, internal stairs and office refurbishment.

Staff have also been drafted in to deal solely with the needs of local people.

Development control, environmental health, property management, highways, refuse collection, street cleaning services, housing benefit and council tax enquiries are all being added to services already on offer at the central point.

Council leader, Councillor Malcolm Doherty said: "The Darwen decentralisation scheme is a symbol of our determination to bring services closer to the people.

"We have been careful to choose those areas where people most need face to face contact which previously would have meant Darwen people travelling to Blackburn."

Councillor Sue Reid, vice chairman of the Council's local government reorganisation committee, added: "This is the first phases of improvement work to Darwen town hall.

"In the run-up to unitary status, we hope to make full use of any remaining empty office space in the building."

A leaflet outlining all the services being offered at the Darwen Town Hall is available at all council information centres.

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