MARKET traders in Burnley have been told that 'open' stalls are set to be scrapped as part of a major demolition project.

Amid claims that stallholders have not been properly consulted, the borough council is proposing to pull down the open market and a former cinema building.

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But town hall chiefs have insisted it would be 'business as usual' for the adjoining main indoor market, if the proposals to pull down the open market go ahead in 2017 and 2018, avoiding the Christmas trading period.

External consultants have been studying the future of Burnley's markets since at least 2012, with concerns expressed over footfall and longstanding businesses moving out.

Former Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle said the move had come as a 'shock' to the traders - even though a number accepted something needed to be done with the open market.

He said: "One trader approached me who had been on the open market for 36 years, complaining that she had not been consulted, and I believe there are more.

"It is a mess and something needed to be done but they could at least have spoken to the people who've been working on the bric-a-brac market."

Cllr Sue Graham, the borough's regeneration and economic development cabinet member, said: "The council is committed to taking a responsible and financially sound approach while, at the same time, fully considering the wishes of shoppers and traders."

Not only would the open market annexe and old cinema disappear but the pedestrian and vehicle ramps across Curzon Street are also scheduled to be removed as part of the project.

In an executive report Kate Ingram, the council's head of regeneration and economic development, said: "The Burnley Market complex is suffering from a number of serious structural issues which present significant risks and cost implications to the council.

"The open market area and ramps require significant investment over coming years if they are to be maintained. The use of the area only one day per week does not justify the use of scarce funds."

Stalls in the main market are said to be 83 per cent occupied and there are still 24,500 market visitors each week, councillors have been told. The council's executive will consider the issue on February 15.