THE new entrance to Pendle Rise shopping centre in Nelson has finally been unveiled following months of delays.

Traders and councillors have been calling for developers Barnfield Construction to finish the work, which was due for completion in the summer, in time for Christmas trade.

A series of delays angered local shop owners who said the lengthy building works were threatening trade. But the Nelson-based building firm has now finished on-site.

The entrance is opposite Woolworth's, providing easy access into the shopping centre for everyone including wheelchair users and people with prams.

Coun Allan Buck, Pendle Council's executive member for regeneration, said: "Regular meetings have been held between Pendle Council, Pendle Rise owners Modus, and their contractors Barnfield Construction, to identify problems or issues with the development.

"Pendle Council and Modus applied pressure on contractors to speed up work on the development but unfortunately the work went on longer than anticipated.

"Understandably the delays and disruption have been very frustrating for Pendle shoppers, visitors, and Nelson Town Centre Businesses.

"Now that the new entrance is opened we encourage everyone to support the town centre businesses in the run up to Christmas."

To mark the completion of entrance work, Barnfield Construction has donated a large Christmas tree to stand in the centre of Nelson.