CALLS have been made to improve Darwen Market after claims it is 'lacking quality’ and ‘not doing anything’ for the town.

Cllr Karimeh Foster tackled bosses at Blackburn With Darwen Council's executive board about their plans to improve the landmark.

The Whitehall councillor addressed the borough regeneration boss, Cllr Phil Riley, about what he was doing to stop traders leaving the market and encourage others to set up there.

She said the 'recent state' of the six day market was causing her concern.

However, Cllr Riley hit back with praise for the traders adding all are ‘working hard' with many doing ‘very well’.

Cllr Foster said: “We need some quality traders to come in.

“We need to encourage people to come to Darwen, we’re not doing anything forthe town at the moment.

“Go down and see the market and speak to the market holders that are left, they’re not happy.

“It’s ignorance to ignore it.”

In recent months three market traders have left, adding to the additional six, who left when the three day market closed.

In April Margaret Blacow-Curwen and Christine Whittaker packed up their stalls for the final time to open a shop in Wellington Fold, Darwen.

They had both run stalls at Darwen Market for more than 20 years.

Cllr Phil Riley defended the market sand said it was 'still a thriving place'.

He said: "The traders who had left had reasons for doing so and that replacements are being lined up.

"Three enquiries are currently on going, including one for a micro bar in the area

“We’ve got a three month social campaign going on and enquiries coming in.

“Some of the traders are doing very well with their businesses.

“People in the market are working very hard.”

Last year former Darwen Labour mayor Brian Taylor clashed with his Libl Dem successor Roy Davies after six stallholders handed in their notice after transferring to the six-day hall.