MARKET traders in Darwen are establishing a group to speak up for them on important issues.

Traders came up with the idea at a recent meeting with Blackburn with Darwen Council's new Darwen market superintendent, Karen Turner.

She said: "The traders expressed a lot of interest in forming a group that would act as one voice for them. It's about working together to achieve what they want for the market and not working as individuals.

"People here have a lot of pride in what they do and they are all keen to improve the market.

"It's such a comfortable, relaxing place to shop and it's a real jewel in Darwen's crown."

Karen, who comes from a retail management background, is looking to restore success in the market.

She said: "If more people came here they would be amazed at what they saw. We have high quality stores here that just aren't heard about, so our first priority will be raising the profile of the market and making sure everyone knows about it."

The Market Traders Association, similar to a group already operating at Blackburn Market, is in its early days but a meeting next week will establish the committee members.

Elizabeth Jones, 42, owns Kizzy's Kandyland stall, and is one of many interested in the new group.

She said: "We're always doing things and saying things on our own but quite often we don't look at the bigger picture.

"We need to work for each other and think about the market as a whole instead of just our own stalls, and this is the perfect way to do it." The group will discuss issues ranging from the appearance of the market to attracting more customers.

Terry Longden, market manager, said: "The market has the highest stall occupancy it has had in three years and we will be looking to expand that and attract more stall-holders.

"It's crucial to give the stall-holders a bigger say in the issues that affect them. We are hoping that it will bring more success to the market and to Darwen."

Blackburn with Darwen Council will be working closely with market bosses through the town's regeneration plan in the coming months.

Coun Paul Browne said: "I think this is a great idea because it's bound to have a very positive effect on the market.

"With traders working together, there's no telling what they will be capable of doing."