A section of Preston Old Road experienced disruption and closure on Saturday (April 6) following a fire outbreak at Witton Business Park, situated opposite the entrance to the Witton Park Arena. Emergency response teams swiftly mobilized to the scene, cordoning off the affected area and deploying resources to contain the blaze and to ensure the safety of the public. Throughout the weekend, Preston Old Road remained inaccessible in both directions as firefighters worked diligently to extinguish the flames and mitigate any potential hazards.
Despite the challenges posed by the fire, the highways team managed to reopen both lanes of Preston Old Road in the subsequent days. However, motorists were advised that there was a temporary restriction on right turns at Witton Park Arena. Drivers seeking to access Witton Park and the adjacent funfair were directed to turn around at Pleasington and navigate an alternative route back into town. This traffic management measure coincided with an anticipated surge in traffic on Wednesday, as individuals planned to visit Pleasington cemetery to observe Eid and pay their respects to loved ones.
With many visitors expected to commence their journey following morning prayers, traffic congestion was anticipated to build from as early as 6 am. To alleviate potential traffic disruptions, mosques staggered prayer times throughout the morning, while traffic marshals and volunteers were deployed to assist drivers upon their arrival in Pleasington. Despite these efforts, motorists were urged to exercise patience and plan their routes accordingly to minimize delays.
An update from Blackburn with Darwen Council confirmed the reopening of two lanes on Preston Old Road near the main entrance to Witton Park. In regards , motorists were advised that delays were still likely along this route, prompting them to consider alternative routes where feasible. Visitors intending to access Witton Park or the funfair were encouraged to plan their routes in advance and utilize alternative entrances, such as the Tower Road entrance or the entrance off Buncer Lane.
While Witton Park Arena remained operational as usual, motorists traveling from Blackburn were instructed against turning right into the car park. Instead, they were directed to proceed to Tower Road, execute a turnaround, and return to the park entrance to make a left turn. The initial fire, which occurred at the rear of the site adjacent to the River Darwen, affected a factory specializing in recycled mattresses. Fire and Rescue teams continued to maintain a presence on-site, diligently monitoring the situation and ensuring the ongoing safety and security of the area.
In the aftermath of the fire, local authorities and emergency services have collaborated to assess the extent of the damage and implement measures to facilitate the safe reopening of Preston Old Road. Their swift and coordinated response exemplified the resilience and professionalism of the emergency response teams, demonstrating their commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the community. As normalcy gradually returns to the area, ongoing vigilance and cooperation among stakeholders will remain essential to address any lingering challenges and ensure the continued safety of residents and motorists alike.