PEOPLE concerned about the £3million proposals to redevelop Accrington’s town square are being urged to send their objections to Hyndburn Council’s planning department by borough leader Miles Parkinson.

He spoke out after almost 200 people responded to a Facebook post of the blueprint by senior Tory, Cllr Peter Britcliffe.

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Cllr Britcliffe said: “Many of those who responded on social media shared my view that we don’t need another empty space.

“There are far better uses for this part of Accrington, including opening the road up to traffic.

“There is also concern about the council’s plans to cut down the two beautiful horse chestnut trees in front of the market hall.

“I am not sure this is what Accrington needs and people should make their views known to council planners or direct to Cllr Parkinson.”

The planning application for the new square, which commemorates the role of the Accrington Pals in the First World War Battle of the Somme, has been submitted after a two-month public consultation.

The scheme, backed by £1.5million of Heritage Lottery cash and a matching amount from the council, will be considered by councillors on Hyndburn borough planning committee on March 1.

The proposals include mock trenches, sculptures and ‘duckboard’ benches commemorating the 1916 battle.

Cllr Parkinson said: “There was a wide consultation which was generally favourable. It will not be an empty space but a venue for events, festivals and an open market.

“We will consider any objections in the planning process as we fine tune the proposals.

“Those with concerns should contact our planning department so their voices can be heard.”