TRADERS and shoppers have demanded action to repair a vital link between two halves of the town centre -- six months after they expected work to start.

Stairs on both sides of the subway under Salford in Blackburn have been out of bounds since Chistmas.

Cold weather caused several tiles to break loose, leaving ramps as the only way in and out.

The first repairs to the steps, which involved removing the existing tiles, took place last week but they remain sealed off to the public.

Graham Burgess, executive director for regeneration and technical services at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "A new design is being drawn up for the subway steps to make them much more user friendly and safer in harsh weather conditions.

"Last week, the subway was cordoned off for health and safety reasons while workmen removed tiles and cement screed from the steps using pneumatic equipment, and was re-opened as soon as this particular work was completed.

"We are currently working up the design for the steps and expect them to be replaced by the end of the summer.

"In the meantime the ramp entrance to the subway at Penny Street remains fully open for pedestrians using the subway to cross the road at Salford."

Ronnie O'Keeffe, president of the Blackburn Chamber of Trade, said: "It is a vitally important link across what is a very busy road.

"It needs to be repaired as quickly as possible.

"So many people use it and it is vitally important that it looks good."

Raymond Goldstone, from the Market Traders' Federation, said: "We are disappointed it is out of action and disappointed it is going to take so much longer to get sorted."

Mixed reaction from people in the street:

SHOPPER Andrew Cookson, 60, from Blackburn, said: "It looks scruffy the way it is and needs improving quickly."

Ron Howarth, 66, from Blackburn, said: "It is much further to walk when the steps are closed off."

Evelyn Devereux, 49, of Stonyhurst Road, Blackburn, said: "I don't use the steps because I prefer the ramp. The subway is very important for people getting from one side to the other."

Brian Thornley, 55, of Blackburn Road, Darwen, said: "It isn't particularly safe at the best of times and I think putting a fence around the steps makes it even less appealing for people to walk through."

Valerie Thornley, 55, of Blackburn Road, Darwen, added: "I don't feel safe walking through it by myself. It is too dark. The best solution would be to fill it in."