COUNCIL chiefs want to help businesses stay on the right road while parts of Blackpool town centre are pedestrianised.

Bosses hope that the street improvement scheme, due to begin on February 23, will turn the area into a jewel in Blackpool's crown when completed, but accept that some inconvenience may be unavoidable while work is ongoing.

The key to minimising problems is communication, say town centre manager Nigel Hanson and technical services boss Robin Wood, who both want traders to keep in touch.

The scheme, which covers Corporation Street, Market Street and part of Church Street, affects many shops, cafes and pubs whose deliveries could be disrupted if officials are not warned in time.

Mr Wood said co-operation between businesses and the council had worked well when the award-winning Birley Street was pedestrianised.

He added: "I would like to arrange for a group to meet regularly so we can keep each other informed and work through any problems that might arise.

"We can't carry out these improvements without some disruption but we are determined to do all we can to help people throughout the duration of the works."

Motorists and delivery vehicles will be advised by a traffic management officer about alternative routes as restrictions will prevent motorists from driving along parts of Corporation Street, Church Street and Market Street.

In addition, a problem-busting hotline telephone number has been set up on Blackpool 476142 to provide people with a single point of contact for reporting problems.

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