DARWEN shoppers are being urged to "bear with" traffic problems amid major regeneration and continue to shop in the town centre.

Civic leaders have asked people to support town centre traders who have been feeling a pinch to their profits since work on the Darwen masterplan began.

He urged residents to continue to go into the town centre and not by-pass the town until the regeneration was complete.

Sunnyhurst ward councillor David Hollins said: "Trade has been affected this month. I have spoken to a few residents who are concerned about the loss this month.

"I don't think it has been noticed before now with a usual seasonal low in summer months. But now it is apparent that people are avoiding the town centre.

"Shoppers need to continue to go down to the town.

"They should not wait until the work is complete but support the traders now when they need it.

"Building work can put people off but it will be such an improvement when it is complete.

Andrew McAllistar, of Darwen Shop and Business Association, added: "There has been a downturn in trade.

"I would ask shoppers to continue to use the town centre for their shopping. The problem is that people are impatient with the roadworks.

"But I urge the shoppers to bear with us and not to worry. It will be sorted soon and the town will be better than ever. It will look great."

The £1.4 million traffic scheme to transform Darwen town centre is part of the wider Darwen Town Centre Masterplan, which aims to improve traffic flow from the junction of Bury Street and Duckworth Street through to the Circus.

The need for action became apparent when it was revealed that nitrogen dioxide levels in Darwen town centre were exceeding government levels because of standing traffic on the A666 at rush hours.

The roadworks are expected to be complete by early next year and the masterplan is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2007.