HILDA Wilson was so desperate for a stall on Darwen market that she asked every week for six months - and then stayed for 50 years when she got one.

But the veteran trader now fears that road changes in the town are threatening to make the next year one of her most difficult.

Hilda, 81, first began selling household items in 1957 and said: "Darwen market was the place to be.

"It was one of the busiest in the North West at that time.

"I wanted to be on the open market that ran on Monday and a Friday, but the only chance you had to get on was when someone didn't turn up or was ill.

"Eventually the superintendent asked me if I could come on a Saturday, and I was the only one there apart from five food huts.

"I did really well that day - the people were so pleased that I'd opened on a Saturday - I suppose it was a bit of a novelty.

"My first customer bought a saw kit for 4/11 (25p) and I was so nervous I struggled to serve him.

"After two or three years I was offered a place on the indoor market and I moved in their and expanded."

In 1975, Hilda's son Clive took over the running of the stall and moved into the newly-opened three-day market hall.

He has expanded the business to six stalls selling bargain household items, and at this time of year, things for Christmas.

He and Hilda travel from Southport to run the stall on a Monday, Friday and Saturdays.

Hilda explained that the Darwen people are what keep them commuting.

She said: "We think the Darwen people are lovely and although the market building has changed in 50 years, the people haven't.

"They are so loyal and we have built such a marvellous friendship with them - we get invited to weddings and even get mince pies and chocolate at Christmas.

"The support over the years has been fantastic."

Clive, however, warned of an uncertain future for stallholders.

He said: "I'm worried about the effect the proposed changes in the town centre though.

"The road system has caused a lot of damage to the shops - they've moved the buses about and businesses are having to close down.

"Fewer customers are coming into the town and unfortunately there's only the council to blame.

"We have had bad times before - such as in the early 90s with the high interest rates putting people off shopping, and this is another bad patch."

The road network was changed as part of a £1.4 million road improvements by Blackburn with Darwen Council to regenerate the town.

The new system allows motorists to drive along Duckworth Street but they cannot continue straight ahead to join Bolton Road.

Market Street and The Circus, close to the market, are restricted access and no-entry zones.

And motorists are directed to drive around the town centre along Bury Street and Green Street as part of the new system.