TRADERS and shoppers are dodging the puddles inside Darwen market hall because of a leaky roof which traders say needs to be replaced.

Continuous rainfall two weeks ago caused the roof to leak and council workmen are still trying to identify where the water is getting in.

Earlier this year, Blackburn with Darwen Council repaired another hole in the roof but this new leak is in front of Rushton's bacon and pie stall, and pours when it rains.

Eileen Guy, market trader representative and chair-person of Darwen Shop and Businesses Association, said: "We want the money to repair the whole roof.

"I understand it is in the regeneration plans to be repaired in the future but we need it to be done now."

Another stall holder on the five-day market, who did not want to be named, said: "The leak is right in the middle of the path.

"It pours in when it rains and forms a really big puddle. People have to walk through it and everyone sees it. There are two or three other drips around that one, but none as bad.

"The whole place is falling to bits."

Julie Watson, who runs a fruit and veg stall in the annexe, said: "They put buckets out to catch the water when it rains. It's a nuisance, and there are a lot of older people walking about who could trip or fall."

Pauline Hodkinson, sec-retary of Darwen Local History Society, said: "It is important to keep the roof repaired properly.

"The town hall buildings including the market hall are an important part of the town's history and a symbolic part of our heritage."

Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "There is an intermittent leak through the roof of the market hall.

"The roof leaked earlier this year but was mended.

"However, it started leaking again two weeks ago.

"There are no obvious defects on the outside of the roof but efforts to find the source of the small leak are continuing.

"It is extremely difficult to find but we are endeavouring to do so.

"This is a historic building and we are aware of the problem.

"Meanwhile, it is business as usual and we are still selling fine fresh and local produce."