SHOPPERS in Nelson are being urged to have their say on proposals to revitalise Scotland Road, during two days of consultation next week.

Consultants Chesterton want views on a number of designs for the future use of vacant shops in one of the town centre's main shopping streets.

The proposals centre around either demolishing and rebuilding, retaining the same or all of the frontage and rebuilding behind it or refurbishing the vacant shops units.

All the plans are subject to Pendle Council bidding and securing funding from the North West Regional Development Agency and form part of a comprehensive assessment of the town centre involving Scotland Road, the former Grand Cinema site and Pendle Rise Shopping Centre.

Representatives from Chesterton will carry out two days of public consultation in the vacant shop unit at 20 Scotland Road on Wednesday, from 9am to 8pm, and on Thursday, from 9am to 5pm.

The public has been invited to discuss the different approaches that aim to regenerate the area.

Chesterton recently asked traders in and around Scotland Road for their views.

Alan Cave, director of planning and development at Chesterton, said: "The high response rate of more than 50 per cent showed there was a keen interest from local traders to share their thoughts on the future of Nelson town centre. The re-development of this area is obviously important to the future of their businesses as well."

He added that the design approaches his firm would be putting forward during the consultation exercise would reflect the comments made by traders and the general public.

Councillor Alan Davies, the council's portfolio holder for economic development, said: "Important decisions will have to be taken by the council in the coming weeks on how to redevelop this area of Nelson. It is vital that traders and shoppers understand the different approaches and have an opportunity to make their views known to the council before any final decision is made.

"All options are subject to the council securing funding from the North West Regional Development Agency to redevelop Scotland Road and to demand from retailers and other operators for the floorspace created."