NEW images of how Chorley town centre could look in the future have been released by the borough council.

The authority is undertaking a £17 million revamp which will see a cinema, restaurants and new high street retailers move into Chorley.

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The dramatic proposals, pictured, mean the weekly Flat Iron market will need to be relocated temporarily and the council is urging people to have a say on where it should go.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, Leader of Chorley Council, said: “The markets have always been an important part of Chorley’s identity and it is vital to the town’s success that they are embraced in any plans to develop the town centre.

“We’ve had lots of useful feedback on the proposals so far and we’re already working on an alternative layout for the weekly market that could see it relocated in the pedestrianised areas without the need to close Market Street every Tuesday.

“It is really important that everyone who uses the town centre takes time to look at the proposals and gives us their views so we can produce a plan that will benefit both traders and shoppers.”

The updated proposal would see the Chorley Council-run weekly market situated along the town centre shopping streets including Cleveland Street, Chapel Street, New Market Street, Fazakerley Street and potentially High Street while work takes place.

It provides an opportunity to test how incorporating the market in a different location could help boost footfall for traders and other town centre businesses.

“We were the administration that re-opened Market Street to traffic so it really would be a last resort for us to close it every week, considering it has had a positive impact on trade, and that’s why we’re considering amended proposals,” said Councillor Bradley.

“The consultation runs until Sunday 6 November so please take time to visit chorley.gov.uk or you can get a hard copy of the survey by visiting our council offices.”

Work is set to commence early in the New Year to improve Fazakerley Street allowing for more stalls to be accommodated there.

All market traders and businesses in the surrounding areas have been provided with information.