A RUNDOWN block of shops which has become a town centre eyesore is to be pulled down after council bosses agreed a deal to bring in a major clothes store.

The re-development of land off Salford is one of three being lined up for Blackburn, which could result in as much as £12million being invested in the town this year.

The move was revealed less than two months after town centre traders and the Lancashire Evening Telegraph called for the semi-derelict shacks to be pulled down.

Today, Ronnie O'Keeffe, president of the chamber of trade, described the news that the "boarded up" eyesores were to go as excellent.

Another project involves the creation of a new DIY retail store at Nova Scotia Mill, opposite Asda at Grimshaw Park, and an office development is being planned for the derelict Prospect Mill, in Eanam.

Councillors met behind closed doors last week to rubberstamp the sale of the land at Salford to a preferred developer, who will build a large shop for a clothing retailer.

Only one of the existing shops is currently occupied, by an upholsterer. Council officials have announced that they will negotiate with the occupier to free up the site.

Details of the developer or the name of the clothing shop have not been revealed in public although they have been disclosed to members of Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive committee.

The project was discussed in private because it involves commercially sensitive information.

It is one of three projects the council hopes will help keep the regeneration of Blackburn town centre going over the next year.

A planning application has already been submitted for Nova Scotia Mill to be used as a DIY superstore and garden centre.

A company has also been lined up for Prospect Mill, although a planning application has yet to be submitted and its identity has not been revealed in public.

Large parts of all three sites are currently in the hands of the council, which has agreed to sell them on.

Coun Gail Barton, executive member for resources, the council department which deals with land sales, said: "A preferred developer has been identified for an extensive site in the Salford area of Blackburn Town Centre which is currently in multiple ownership.

"The council is negotiating with the developer to sell its share of the land providing similar deals can be struck with the other landowners.

"This is a very exciting development proposal for our town centre and is exactly the kind of investment we are hoping to see.

"We are also looking to progress retail and commercial developments on other council owned sites in and around the town centre, for example Prospect Mill and Nova Scotia."

Ronnie O'Keeffe, president of the Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade, said: "I heard a whisper that a national retailer had virtually signed up for the site and I think it is excellent news for that side of town.

"It will rejuvenate a rundown site in the town and is particularly good news for businesses in the Penny Street and market areas."

Ray Goldstone, chairman of the Blackburn Market Tenants Association, said: "It should increase footfall in this area of town.

"We now the council is continuing to improve the market, and hopefully that will make it look more attractive."