IMPROVEMENT work at the Darwen Market Annexe has been announced.

The work, which is expected to start in the summer, will include new lighting, a replacement floor, redecoration of the building, refurbishment of the prepara- tion rooms and the creation of a new store room.

There will also be further space created in the annexe area.

Council bosses said they wanted to revitalise the annexe area of the market, which is between the main market hall and the loading bay.

Coun Tom Evans, lead member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “The planned works in the market annexe should make this area even more attractive to traders and increase customer footfall.

“It is a real opportunity to bring extra vitality to the annexe and create a new hub for promotional activities and events in the market.”

Markets manager Gwen Sangster said: “We are absolutely delighted they are going to upgrade the annexe.

“It has needed doing and it will make a big difference.”

Liberal Democrat regeneration spokeswoman Coun Karimeh Foster said: “It does need to be brightened up in there. It is looking a bit tired and I do not think there has been any money spent on it in years. When you have a house you do bits up every year because if you leave it for years then you need to take out another mortgage to pay for all the repairs.

“The same can be said in the market, where we need to do work on an annual basis.

“If it looks nice and clean then people will want to go there to do their shopping and have a look around.”

There are opportunities for new traders with vacant stalls in the annexe, as well as Darwen Market and the Three Day Market.