COUNCILLORS have urged shoppers to back Darwen town centre after "unfortunate" disruptions caused by a £1.4 million traffic overhaul.

They spoke after The Lancashire Telegraph reported concerns of a trader who said her takings had been halved since work began.

Shoppers were going elsewhere because of the delays, it was claimed.

But members of Labour-controlled Blackburn with Darwen Council, which gave the plan the go-ahead, said residents had to look to the future.

In a joint statement the three Labour members of the Sunnyhurst ward acknowledged the problem but said the changes would bring in more shoppers.

Coun Nigel Nuttall said: "These improvements are intended to boost trade in Darwen town centre.

"It is unfortunate that this major investment has caused some disruption.

"But now is the time to support Darwen town centre."

Coun Dave Hollings said: "Darwen town centre still has free car parking, an excellent market and a wide range of shops.

"But it is now more welcoming for pedestrians. I would urge people to come and have a look."

Coun Dave Smith said: "This stage of the work is just about completed, so I hope everyone in Darwen will come together to make this the best Christmas ever for our town centre."

The £1.4million traffic scheme is part of the wider Darwen Town Centre masterplan, drawn up after it was discovered nitrogen dioxide levels were exceeding Government levels because of standing traffic on the A666 during rush hour.

It aims to improve traffic flow from the junction of Bury Street and Duckworth Street through to the Circus.

The final "masterplan" includes improvements to Market Square, a new leisure centre and a Darwen Academy school.

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