A controversial £50 million public transport scheme for Hyndburn has moved a step closer by gaining initial government clearance.

Transport chiefs want a new Accrington bus station, ‘state of the art' buses, bus stops equipped with live information, higher frequency services, bus priority in congested areas and at traffic signals, and a ‘smart card’ ticketing system. New car parks will be provided in areas where parking on the main road is being removed to ease the general traffic flow.

Now ministers have given approval for the Pennine Reach rapid bus project following the budget.

But doubts have been cast over the likelihood of the scheme surviving an expected round of cuts, following the general election.

The budget decision means that Lancashire County Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council can move forward with detailed planning for the scheme.

Work can now start on bringing contractors on board, and completing road traffic orders and land purchase orders before seeking final government approval in 12 months' time.

Transport minister Sadiq Khan described Pennine Reach as an ‘exciting’ scheme.

He said: "An efficient and reliable transport system is the lifeblood of every local community. This is why we're investing significant amounts of money in East Lancashire's infrastructure.

"With over half a million people living in and around the area this scheme will make it far easier for people without access to a car to get to work in Manchester, Preston or elsewhere in the region."

If full approval is granted, £45m will be provided by the Department for Transport with the remaining funding being provided by local authorities.

Lancashire County Councillor Keith Young, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "Pennine Reach will bring major improvements to the public transport network in the area, reduce journey times and improve the reliability of travelling by bus. It will also mean better access to jobs and training.

"By encouraging more people to switch to public transport, it will help to reduce traffic congestion on local roads and should lead to a reduction in carbon emissions."

But Hyndburn opposition leader Councillor Graham Jones believes the scheme is still a long way off happening, no matter which party takes power after May’s general election.

He said: "It’s on the Department of Transport's wishlist now.

"But my personal view is that any future government budget won't be able to commit funding to this sort of scheme.

"I’m in favour of the scheme but I think the bus lanes will cause havoc.

"We may just have to go back and ask for Accrington bus station to be funded."