TRADERS hit by the effects of building work in Nelson town centre are being invited to come forward and ask for help.

Pendle Council leader Alan Davies has raised the possibility of traders hit by the development of the Pendle Rise shopping centre being given assistance through the business rates system.

But today he revealed that he was "amazed" by how few traders had asked for help so far - and urged more to come forward.

The £4million development of the shopping centre by Manchester-based developers Modus has sparked complaints from residents, councillors and traders that people are staying away from the town centre.

Work began last September to create new shops in the Place de Creil.

Improvements to the layout of the work have already been made in an attempt to make the area more attractive to shoppers, such as the widening of the walkway near Woolworths and the opening of the entrance near Boots.

At a full council meeting last December, Coun Davies said: "There's quite clearly a lot of people who aren't coming into Nelson town centre at the moment and I wonder how many of the independent traders will be able to stay open during this period.

"As an authority we will use whatever legislation is possible to mitigate some of the worst effects and that means we can look at the ratings system."

Today he re-issued that appeal and urged traders to share their concerns if they needed support.

He said: "The council accepts that there is a real problem in Nelson centre and wants to assist all it can to help traders overcome the real barriers to trade.

"One of the things we can help with is the rates that are paid by shopkeepers but they must write and tell us of their individual problems.

"I am amazed at how few traders have written to tell of their plight.

"The opening of the entrance by Boots the Chemist should help with the flow of pedestrians around the centre but many feel that the damage has already been done.

"I strongly urge shopkeepers to tell me of their difficulties. We really do want to help."