TRADERS in Burnley are united in their opposition of plans to develop the former Prestige factory into a major new retail centre.

Two sets of plans for the area have been received by Burnley Council and are awaiting determination by planners.

One plan is from Sainsbury's and the second has been submitted by development company Castlemore Securities.

Secretary of Burnley Chamber of Trade Rita Walsh said: "The Chamber of Trade has formally objected to both proposals on the grounds they will destroy the town centre.

"The utmost priority should be the development of the bus station site within the existing town centre.

"Members have said that if Sainsbury's creates a Homebase on that site there will be no reason for people from that end of town to walk into the centre any more.

"We have already seen a decline in retail shops and shops on Keirby Walk, Hall Street, Standish Street and Hammerton Street will be under major threat unless we have some sort of support from the local council.

"Someone has to stand up and say it won't do. It is is at the expense of the town centre, developing Prestige is not a price worth paying.

"Excellent though Sainsbury's is, if they wanted to relocate on the bus station site we would be delighted, but not Prestige."

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