A HARDWARE store boss has warned that the shop of 45 years may go out of business because of road works.

Arthur Faulkner, managing director, of Clays in Canterbury Street, Blackburn has called for help to stop his business going "broke".

He said that since Freckleton Street bridge closed in January, takings at the store were down by half.

Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade said it was a "saddening thought" that a well-established business could fold but it was part of a general downturn.

Canterbury Street became two-way in November to accommodate diverted traffic near to its junction with Freckleton Street. It is dominated by a coned-off chicane.

Freckleton Street bridge closed to make way for a new £10million dual carriageway Sydney Harbour-style replacement.

It is expected to open in spring 2008 and will eventually join a new link road to join Bolton Road to Montague Street and could open in 2009, completing the town's orbital route.

Mr Faulkner said: "I have lost so much custom since the road works started.

"By February I will be completely broke if it carries on like this.

"I have been in Blackburn for 45 years and am afraid if it continues like this we won't be around for much longer.

"I've tried to complain but nobody seems to care and they say there's nothing that can be done."

David Cottam, president of Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade, said that better signage to the store could help.

He said: People do get frustrated when they see roadworks and even if they can get somewhere, they don't try.

"It's a saddening thought for an old established business in Blackburn.

"It's part of a local picture of trade being down.

"I have every sympathy with him."