MARKET traders fear revival plans for Darwen could be a disaster for trade.

Plans to regenerate the town centre are currently displayed in the town hall and residents are being asked to put forward their thoughts.

Proposals include pedestrianising part of Church Street and Market Street, relocating the bus station to Wellington Fold and possibly moving the three-day market, as well as using the market square area as a more attractive open space.

But stallholders on the three-day market have slammed part of the scheme which they believe will put them out of business.

Trader Brenda Cronshaw said: "We were not happy that we knew nothing about these proposals until we had a meeting with the town centre manager the day before they went on display.

"We've now had thousands of questionnaires printed which people can pick up from traders on the market. We will also collect them back and pass them on to the council. This is the opportunity for people who do not agree with the proposals to speak out.

"The people we have spoken to about the bus station moving have gone beserk. People won't want to walk from Wellington Fold back into town so we are going to lose business.

"It also suggests relocation of the market but we think that if it is knocked down, it won't be rebuilt.

"This is a big thing for Darwen so we want as many people as possible to see the plans because it is their town."

Fellow trader Denise Gee said: "Speaking as a three-day representative, we are not upset at money being spent on Darwen. We are 100 per cent sure the money should come and we don't want to lose it to Blackburn.

"The main issue is the removal of the bus station. Without that, the traders are going to walk away. All these plans which they say are just suggestions are not good for Darwen or for town centre trade."

Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, said: "I'm delighted that over 200 people came to the community centre last Wednesday to look at the progress the partnership is making on the town centre strategy and some of tbe ideas coming forward.

"The market traders were consulted the day before. The key thing for everybody to remember is that no decisions have been made and that all comments made through this process will be considered.

"In any new regeneration scheme, we are keen to reflect what people and traders want and that's why all the consultation feedback will be considered by Darwen Partnership."