Blackburn with Darwen Council secures funding to help manage roads

9.19.08pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 25th May 2009

Blackburn with Darwen Council has secured almost £500,000 funding from the Department for Transport to support the management of its highways.

The Council was one of only 14 local authorities to receive full funding after making two successful bids for cash.

The money will be used to develop an online system where the public can log and monitor issues such as potholes, damage to railings and other property, report a street light which is out, or register concerns over the speed of traffic.

Further schemes will also be introduced including training for young people within the borough and an IT system upgrades.

The Council will also act as regional champions and have the opportunity to share best practice and technique with other authorities.

Adam Scott, strategic director of regeneration & environment, said: "This scheme, developed by the Council's partners, Capita Symonds, is designed to allow local people to have more involvement in how their highways are managed and maintained.

"The DfT received 69 applications, covering 111 authorities, so to be one of only 14 successful bidders is fantastic.

"The opportunity to act as regional champion also means we are able to promote our expertise and really put the borough on the map."