DISABLED shoppers have slammed town centre planners after eight special parking spaces were temporarily axed to make way for a fish market.

The relocation of Accrington's fish market -- while the market square development is carried out -- has resulted in the loss of parking spaces used by disabled badge holders at the top of Broadway, close to Whalley Road.

Richard Day, chairman of Accrington Shopmobility, said: "I am absolutely disgusted with the town planners and the way in which they are ripping apart the heart of our town.

"When we opened Shopmobility in Whalley Road we asked them to supply four spaces at the front of the premises but to date there has been nothing.

"And now they have taken away eight spaces at the top end of Broadway to install the temporary fish market.

"One of the reasons we are situated here is because of those parking spaces but our members are now going to other towns because they are unable to park close enough to use the facilities.

"This in turn means that traders are missing out through loss of business."

The spaces, which are not individually marked, are situated in the pedestrian zone at the top of Broadway.

The area is clearly marked as being accessible only for disabled parking permit holders and for loading.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1996 it is an offence to take an existing service from the disabled and give a lesser service -- or in this case no alternative provision at all.

Mr Day has reported this to the Disability Rights Commission in London and is awaiting a response on the matter. He has also written to Hyndburn Borough Council.

A spokesperson for the Disability Rights Commission said: "I am certain the council is in breach of the act as it appears it is preventing an existing service being carried out.

"Cutting back on disabled parking provisions is a blatant disregard for the needs of the disabled.

"The council has a duty to provide an alternative and this will be taken up with them when Mr Day's letter is processed."

The relocation of the fish market to the temporary site is one of the first steps of the Accrington market square development which will start early next month.

The temporary kiosks, which have been purpose designed to ensure businesses can continue to trade in fresh fish, will remain in position for approximately eight months.

The existing permanent fish market will be demolished next month.

A spokesman for Hyndburn Council said the local authority had received correspondence from Mr Day and was looking into the issue to determine wether or not the area was officially for disabled parking spaces or not.

He also said that the issue of an alternative provision would be looked into.