TRADERS have vowed to continue their fight against plans to close Church Street.

They presented their own alternative scheme to council bosses at a Chamber of Trade meeting.

The council also presented its plans to around 40 members of the Chamber.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is proposing an £11million scheme to transform Blackburn centre which would involve closing Church Street to traffic and creating a leafy pedestrian area with fountains.

But traders in nearby Darwen Street claim the change would hit trade and cost jobs.

They have asked a firm of independent consultants to come up with an alternative plan for Church Street which would keep it open.

The traders argue their own solution, which would make Church Street one-way, would be in keeping with the council's aim of making the town centre a more appealing place to visit and attract new investment.

Chamber of Trade spokesman Jeff Stone, who runs a hairdressing business in Fleming Square, said: "We're in favour of 95 per cent of the regeneration plans for the centre but not the closure of Church Street."

A spokesman for the council said its presentation to the Chamber of Trade was part of a series of consultations being held over the plans for the town centre. BUSY: But Blackburn's Church Street is earmarked for closure to traffic