BUSINESSES trading in the shadow of Burnley's new £3.2million bus station today welcomed a move to discuss new traffic plans for the area.

Members of the Chamber of Trade said a meeting between Burnley Borough Council, Lancashire County Council and Pennine Police was good news.

The group fears revised traffic provision plans could affect trade.

At the moment buses run from a site off Centenary Way while Croft Street is restricted to buses and Hackney cabs one way only.

Under new proposals put forward by traders, the Chamber of Trade and council officials, Croft Street would become a one-way street open to all traffic.

There will also be loading bays for traders and drop off points with waiting restriction time limits for public use.

Rita Walsh, Secretary of Burnley and District Chamber of Trade, said she was encouraged by news of a meeting.

"We have been in consultations with Burnley Borough Council and they have been most sympathetic to our concerns.

"It seems the scheme is to be looked at again after businesses complained about access for customers and loading and unloading problems.

"We are delighted with the way the council have co-operated and look forward to the outcome of the new proposals."

Engineer manager Gordon Leighton said: "We have taken into consideration every objection we have received from local businesses and are looking to revise our plans.

"We are in the process of arranging a meeting with the local police and Lancashire County Council to try and come up with some solutions.

"We want everybody to happy so we have revised our plans to suit all.

"I can't guess the outcome of the meeting but I am sure we will come up with some reasonable resolutions.

"After this meeting we will be looking at taking up discussions with Hackney cab owners and anybody else who wants to voice their opinions."

Cars have been directed to use the new "Tesco" traffic light junction on Centenary Way and Red Lion Street has returned to two-way traffic until the new proposals have been ironed out.

Manager of Planet Pizza in Croft Street, Abdul Qureshi, said he was left feeling positive about the new plans.

He said: "All the Croft Street traders had a meeting last week with the council and the proposals they came up with were extremely promising.

"They now have to consult with the authorities to get their views before any final decisions can be made, but if they stick to what has been discussed I think everybody will be satisfied."