A BACUP trader has launched an online survey to find out what people think about the town centre.

Sarah Cross, who runs Lucy Amelia Bridal, quizzed 92 residents and plans to share the findings with Bacup Traders' Association with a view to improve the area.

Mrs Cross posted the survey on three Facebook sites, Bacup Past and Present, Bacup Traders Association and Shop Local in Bacup.

She found almost half of residents visit the town everyday, while a handful never do, two thirds of people think there are a good range of shops, nearly 70 per cent believe people don’t go to the town centre because the shops don’t look appealing enough, and nearly 80 per cent would like to see more seasonal and farmers markets.

Mrs Cross, 29, said: “I think the findings are really interesting, they demonstrate that a lot of people really care about Bacup town centre, it’s fantastic that 92 people took the time to get involved.

“I love the fact that people suggested lots of different events which they would like to see happening in the town, especially a Christmas tree and a Christmas lights switch-on, which would really bring the community together.

“Some of the results are what I would expect people to say, for example people did mention the fact that at the moment parts of Bacup town centre do look a little run down and parts are in need of improvement.

“But many participants also pointed to the beautiful architecture, character and potential that is within Bacup town centre, along with the friendly nature of the people, the community spirit and the history.

“The traders thought the survey gave a fascinating insight into what local people, their customers, want to see happening in Bacup.

“There are lots of practical suggestions, such as opening for longer at the weekend, using social media to advertise what Bacup has to offer and forcing landlords to tidy up their empty buildings, which hopefully can be acted upon.”