A group of traders from a historic market hall have been to see the new business units they will use while their Grade II listed home is given a major makeover.

Last week, the party from Accrington visited the West Lancashire factory where the new cabins are being manufactured to see for themselves how they will look.

On December 30, Accrington's Victorian Market Hall will close until March 2025 for a controversial £11 million redevelopment using government Levelling Up grants.

The traders will be decanted into the new units on the adjoining town square while the works take place. Work on installing the new cabins will start next month,

Pictures of the traders' visit have been posted on the Hyndburn Council-run 'Accrington Town Square' Facebook page.

The accompanying text says: "Today has been an exciting day and now the market traders have had their sneak preview we are delighted to share pictures with a glimpse of what’s to come!

"This morning a group of Accrington Market Traders went to visit the manufacturing site for their brand new bespoke cabins that will take centre stage on Accrington Town Square, hosting their fantastic businesses during the upcoming market renovation.

"These will start to be built on site next month and in January the ‘Accrington Town Square Market’ will launch.

"We can’t wait to share a full list of traders and their locations… stalls on the town square will include fruit and veg, fish, biscuits and cake, clothing, hairdresser, tattoo studio and many more.

"Remember, business as usual until the end of the year at Accrington Market - so please remember to #ShopLocal and support independent businesses, especially throughout the upcoming transformational works."

Hyndburn Council leader, Cllr Marlene Haworth, said: "The feedback from the traders was really positive.

"They liked what they saw and their questions were answered. This is a major step forward."

Earlier this month some of the current stallholders at Accrington Market announced their closure while other traders expressed concerns about the refurbishment.

Several traders announced their closure or decision to “scale back their business”.

The council has also been criticised for its "poor communication" with traders regarding plans for the refurbishment.

Hyndburn Council Labour group leader Cllr Munsif Dad said: "We welcome the Levelling Up money but it needs to be spent properly. Many traders are dissatisfied with the communication from the council.

"We are trying to find out how many traders were on the market two years ago when this project started and how many are still there. They need to be taken on board this scheme and listened to."