SAFETY concerns have been raised over the £4million redevelopment at the Pendle Rise shopping centre after a workman's ladder smashed through an escalator.

Shoppers were on the escalator at Friday lunchtime when it is believed a ladder, which was being carried upright, scraped the ceiling before jamming itself through one of the escalator steps.

Labour group councillor, Frank Clifford, has written to Lib Dem council leader, Alan Davies, todemand assurances that the centre is safe for shoppers during the works.

Coun Clifford said: "This incident on Friday raises concerns about safety. I'm deeply concerned.

"We are coming up to the Christmas period and I want to be satisfied that it is safe for shoppers and other retailers whose businesses may be affected by the practices."

A spokesman for the owners, Manchester-based developers, Modus, who are carrying out the work, said: "We will be reviewing this internally and we are not very happy with the contractors because this doesn't conform with any of our health and safety standards."