Stall holders at Accrington Market have expressed their concerns about the upcoming Market Hall refurbishment, with some deciding to close or move.

Earlier this year, plans for an £11 million redevelopment were announced and the town’s grade II listed Victorian Market Hall is set to benefit.

Stall holders are set to move outside to Accrington Town Square Market until March 2025 for the same rates they pay at the market.

But some stall holders have declined Hyndburn council's offer to move into temporary containers outside, and opted for a move into the Victorian Arcade instead.

Diane Harker, owner of The Sweet Stall and Harker's Card Corner, said: "I looked at my demographic, stock and customers and thought it makes sense to be covered in the Arcade.

"I am having to sort myself out and I do not need to go into the containers to do that, but they are helping me in other ways.

"They also suggested to us about moving over Christmas at first but I told them it would have to be January at the latest.

"I have tried to remove myself from it all as it has been really stressful."

The stall holders got a chance to see an example of the containers in Skelmersdale, of which a lot reported they were impressed with.

A spokesperson for Illusion Clothing said: "We have to do what we have to do before Christmas, and when I had a look round the containers they did look good.

"I do not blame the council, I blame the internet as it is making less and less people want to shop on the high street in general."  

The council confirmed it has received questions from the community about the transformational works planned for Accrington Town Square. 

A spokesperson said the “majority of traders” have supported the council’s decision to create a temporary location for the market.

A spokesperson said: “In early 2024 construction works are due to start on the major levelling up projects, including Accrington Market. 

"Since funding was awarded, plans have moved at pace and businesses operating inside the market have adapted and worked closely with the project teams to decide future plans for their businesses.

“The Market Hall project team are based within Accrington Market and available to talk to traders in person or via a dedicated email address, at a time convenient for them. 

“Some Market Hall businesses have made the decision and been supported to find new premises in Accrington town centre, such as on Warner Street, in the Victorian Arcade, or on Broadway.

“The majority of traders have made the decision to join us in creating a brand-new temporary location for the Accrington Market community.

“Traders taking up this opportunity will be provided with high-end bespoke made cabins that will be located on the Town Square.

"These cabins are highly secure, tailored to the business’ unique requirements and will also offer traders more flexibility with opening times.”

A petition has also started to 'Save the Market Hall Pavillon'.

It has been signed by more than 1,500 people, and calls for support to the external market traders who have been trading on the market for many years.

The petition says "Lots of local people use these stalls, we must also protect the jobs that these market traders bring to the area. 

"Hyndburn Council needs to listen to its residents and start implementing ideas from them, instead of making all the wrong decisions in this amazing little town."