THE prosperity of central Blackburn is vital to the general well-being of the town.

The town centre is the hub of the community and Blackburn with Darwen Council have recognised this by undertaking projects to make it a more attractive, shopper-friendly place.

The renovation of the shopping centre and market exterior a few years ago and the almost completed pedestrianisation of Church Street are examples of their efforts.

But at the same time as trying to woo shoppers with visual improvements, the council is hitting them in the pocket by increasing charges at the town's car parks.

The authority's executive member for regeneration, Coun Andy Kay, defends increases of up to 25 per cent as "in line with inflation" and points out that they are the first in two years.

But Chamber of Trade president Ronnie O'Keeffe protests at the rises imposed by a council which refused their request to make parking free around Christmas to compensate for the discouraging effect of months of roadworks.

He believes the rises will deter shoppers who will turn instead to out-of-town retail sites where parking is free.

Market Traders Federation secretary Eileen Hargreaves said: "We keep being told we have a bright future but we need the help of the local authority for the here and now."

On the day that the council proudly confirms the good news that agreement is near for a £30million leisure complex close to the large attractions with free parking on the south side of Darwen Street bridge, the importance of not driving too many shoppers out of town is emphasised.

Elsewhere in Britain there are plenty of examples of city centres being left full of empty shops as people have deserted them for complexes with free parking on the outskirts.

There is a balance to be achieved and the council must get it right.