A £7MILLION market square development in Accrington town centre has been given the green light.

Councillors, given a free vote at a full council meeting last night, voted in favour of the scheme by 27 to nine.

The complex will involve up to eight modern shops on Broadway opposite Marks and Spencer and a large Wilkinsons store - selling general household goods - on the open market site opposite the Market Hall.

The open market buildings will be demolished and the stalls and kiosks relocated in new pavilions opposite the Wilkinsons store and beside the Market Hall in Peel Street.

The future of the scheme was thrown into doubt after all the outdoor market traders voiced their opposition. Last night, they presented a 2,500 name petition against the development.

And a Lancashire Evening Telegraph 'phone poll revealed that more than 80 per cent of callers did not want it to go ahead. Last night, it was suggested that a referendum be held to decide the future of the scheme but that idea was rejected.

Director of regeneration at Hyndburn Council Nigel Rix told councillors the development would "breathe new life into the town".

Laurence Antill, a consultant who has been advising the council on regeneration for eight years, said the development was needed to move the town forward.

He said the scheme would benefit market traders by increasing the number of shoppers in the area.

The Walker Family Trust - an offshore company owned by Blackburn Rovers chief Jack Walker and his brother Fred - has agreed to finance the scheme.

Leicester-based Helical retail Ltd - a leading national retail developer - will be responsible for the building work.

A fast food retailer, a shoe store, a telephone shop and a women's clothes shop are among famous high-street retailers who have expressed a firm interest in the scheme.

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