TRADERS have been assured that work to transform Darwen market square will be put on hold during the town's food festival and Christmas.

Borough bosses vowed to work around the busiest trading times to avoid a loss of trade for businesses and stall holders.

But they are still aiming to have the new linear bus station and market square completed by the end of March.

During consultation into the town centre plans, most residents voted for major change which included moving the bus station to the side of the square and creating an open space for markets and outdoor events.

After talks with English Heritage, regeneration bosses have now decided on the design of the area, which will include an open area around a central pathway to Darwen Market.

The pathway will be lined with trees and benches, and a replica of the original quarter circle steps, which led to the outside market, will be installed at the end of the pathway close to Church Street.

Adam Scott, director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhood, said: "The footpath will create a central spine leading to the market hall. Granite setts will be used to create the flat area around Croft Street so this will have to be shut to buses for a short time. A temporary bus stop will placed in Market Street.

"But we do plan to time the market square works to avoid the food festival in September and stop them around Christmas so there is as little disruption as possible."

Motorists currently tackling the road works through the town centre will be able to use a new traffic system by the end of September.