A NEW Asian mall has been launched in former chain store premises in Accrington.

Businessman Zaheed Malik hopes to eventually have 23 stalls trading from the old B&M Bargains premises in Union Street, which has been revamped as Fashion 300.

The building had been vacant since B&M opted to concentrate its efforts on its premises off Hyndburn Road, in the summer of 2016.

And the mall venture follows on from the successful launches of similar operations across East Lancashire, such as Suraj Plaza, in Blackburn's King Street, and the Nelson Bazaar.

Mr Malik, who is from Nelson and has two fashion shops in the town, said: "We are looking to have men's and women's fashions, jewellery, sweets and a beauticians..

"It's in a prominent location and we have invited a number of senior councillors to come and see what we are trying to do here."

Several businesses have already signed up for the fledgling mall but Mr Malik, who staged a 'grand opening' last weekend with face painting, mehndi and a bouncy castle, is hopeful he will have a full house as 2019 progresses.

He said he is planning to open his doors on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Fridays and Saturdays, between 10am and 6pm.

The development's fortunes appear to contrast with those of another fashion retailer, also based on Union Street.

Bosses at Peacocks are currently staging a closing down sale, which they say is subject to further negotiations with their landlord.

But the company, when approached by the Lancashire Telegraph, would neither confirm nor deny what was happening with their store. Several similar possible closures have also been reported.