A MAJOR debate on a new town square for Accrington is in full swing - but not everyone is in agreement over the civic proposals.

Views are being sought on plans to convert the area immediately outside the town’s market hall into a public gathering place.

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Blueprints for the scheme have gone on show at the town hall, with promises to incorporate the famous Accrington Pals regiment into the final designs.

The initiative is part of the town’s fightback after the loss of Marks and Spencer and the town centre B&M Bargains in recent weeks - but opinion is divided.

Cllr Clare Cleary, regeneration cabinet member, said: “These are momentous times for Accrington and we want as many people as possible to come along and have their say about proposals.

“All will be revealed in this consultation event.

“The final event on Saturday will also give people the chance to take part in a photography workshop with Accrington Camera Club. Residents wanted to have their say and they now have the opportunity.”

Architect IBI has drawn up its vision for the square, which is being showcased from 10am to 4pm until Saturday, except today when it will be noon to 7pm.

Hyndburn Chamber of Trade has also urged town centre workers and shoppers to see the plans.

One critic, self-employed painter and decorator Nigel Fielding has questioned the change of heart regarding the market frontage.

He said on Facebook: “I would urge traders and customers to get involved with this and hopefully we can stop this ‘square’ from happening.

“We had a bus station in the town centre and buses were allowed to travel through to it in front of the town hall, presumably for ease of access, it made sense.

“Now the said bus station has been removed and replaced with a car park but get this - they are now going to permanently close off access to that car park from a main route into that area. It was okay for buses but now not for cars?”

Jim Bowes, who has run the Custard Cube music shop in Blackburn Road for 23 years, believes that the town has already become too “Broadway-centric” since the opening of the new bus station and cannot see the merits of a £1million plus public square.

He said: “You’ve got shops in Little Blackburn Road now which are closed at lunchtime on Saturdays and it’s ridiculous.”

“They are knocking down the outdoor market and you’ve got a car park where the vehicles are facing the wrong way. This just isn’t what Accrington needs.”

The Arndale Centre in Accrington has also been playing its part in the hoped-for revival, hosting a series of popular Saturday extravaganzas throughout the summer.