FED-UP traders in Nelson's Scotland Road have gathered more than 1,000 signatures in a campaign to bring shoppers discouraged by empty shops back to the area.

The shopkeepers, many of who have been there for more than 20 years, are worried that Nelson and particularly Scotland Road is on a downward spiral and their businesses are suffering.

At least six shops on the street now stand empty and several of the remaining traders have put petitions in their shops. These show the opposition to a proposed drop-in centre for the interfaith group Building Bridges, at number 20 Scotland Road, as well as the Lancashire County Council's What Now youth information centre which has been given approval for the former Eastwood's shop.

Traders are hoping to follow in the footsteps of Frome, Somerset, where a revitilisation scheme was carried out.

Anne Graham, of Barbara and Anne florists, said: "A town management went round talking to various people to get rates reduced as well as talking to the traders. We would really like a scheme like that and we are going to put that idea forward at the next town centre forum where hopefully there will be some councillors there to hear us.

"We feel like we've been really let down and no-one is listening to us. Nothing that we have ever recommended has gone through and Scotland Road is being neglected."

In Frome there was a 25 per cent level of shop vacancy with 60 per cent vacancy in one particular area. A vacant property schedule was set up and good relationships were made with landlords willing to offer flexible leases and reduced rents and a 30 per cent blanket reduction on rates was secured.

There was also more liaison with the police, the area was marketed as a whole and investment was encouraged.

Paul Butler, who owns Oscars video shop, said: "We have got enough charity shops and we don't want drop-in centres here. People aren't totally against drop-in centres because they realise people do need help but this is not the right area for them. We want to keep the town for shoppers and we need more shops.

"We need a package of things to get business going again.

"Manchester Road and Market Square have been done up very nicely and that was down to trader power. So we need some trader power now here and the council want to know what we want so they are going to get told. There's a lot of businesses that are struggling round here. There are people that have been here 20 years or more and they are worried."

Jan Joshi, the town centre manager, said she had been approached by the traders about rate reductions but said the council could not control the rates. She said a district valuer had been asked to assess the properties to find out whether the rates should be reduced.

In response to concern about the What Now centre, county councillor Alan Whittaker, cabinet member for education and cultural services, said: "The What Now service is designed to offer sound advice to young people throughout Lancashire. The centres are a real credit to the towns where they are based and are recognised locally for the positive contribution they make.

"I am certain that people who are familiar with the work of the What Now teams will welcome this new centre."