THE case for the suspension of roadworks and for some free parking in the town centre over Christmas is paramount to making festive shopping easy and enjoyable, says Ron O'Keeffe , president of Blackburn Chamber of Trade.

"Both traders and shoppers have been hit over the past five months.

"Since the closure of Church Street, it's been diversions, roadworks, bridge strengthening hold-ups -- all bad publicity for the town centre.

"Even the AA told people to avoid the area.

"The traders have been very patient with all these works going on even though many have lost a lot of business.

"The council have shown little sympathy towards the traders during this period and have only said things will get better.

"What better way to attract old and new customers back in to town?

"A simple gesture for the Christmas period is to say thank you to shoppers and traders for putting up with the mess the council has caused.

"Traders throughout the town have been telling me customers are fed up of sitting in queues trying to get to shops, some just turn round and go home.

"More than ever they turn round and go to Bolton, Chorley and Preston and spend their money.

"This is all very frustrating for the traders of the town who still have bills and staff to pay.

" If we don't have a bumper Christmas many traders won't be around to enjoy the benefits of regeneration."

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