TRADERS and council bosses say they are still in the dark about Blackburn's new shopping centre - as building work is due to start.

The Mall, the firm behind the £66million project, has yet to announce a builder for the new centre.

In February Ronnie Maclean, the firm's development manager, said tenders would be returned by the end of May and building work would start on site in June.

Construction giant Balfour Beatty, which knocked down Lord Square, was not awarded the contract to build it because of its "other commitments", The Mall said.

Demolition is now complete and the giant "munching machine" has left the site, but no announcement has been made on a replacement builder.

Phil Ainsworth, of the town centre marketing committee, said he had heard work was to begin on site next week.

He added: "I hope they have someone in place, but nobody seems to know anything.

"I have asked in the town hall and they haven't heard."

Chamber of trade president David Cottam added: "Nobody's mentioned a thing to me.

"I am not concerned about it at this stage but if it goes on I will be."

Blackburn with Darwen council deputy leader Michael Lee said: "I have heard nothing, but I can't believe they wouldn't have got someone on board at this late stage.

"They are a private firm and if they don't want to reveal something they won't."

Labour regeneration spokes-man Andy Kay added: "I heard a whisper but nothing concrete.

"We are still waiting."

The Mall has promised the change in contractor will not affect the new centre's opening, forecast for Spring 2010.

According to an expert, it is "not uncommon" for work to begin immediately after a contractor is appointed.

Paul Thompson, of Construction News magazine, said market conditions meant finding a firm to do the job shouldn't be difficult.

He added: "If they are suggesting someone will start straight away they will still have to order all the materials, so realistically it will be held up.

"I would have thought the tenders would have been returned by now."

The Mall did not respond when asked whether a new contractor had been found.

Loraine Jones, General Manager of The Mall Blackburn, said: "A number of tenders have been received and we are working through the details with our professional team before being in a position to appoint a contractor.

"Once an appointment has been made the programme will be updated after consultation with the contractor.

"We will issue further updates in due course."