COUNCIL bosses have pledged to keep the traffic flowing through Accrington when two major developments go head-to-head.

Concerns were raised about disruption to traffic and trade at local businesses when it was announced that work by Transco to replace the gas main along Whalley Road, Abbey Street and Manchester Road would coincide with the £7million town centre development to relocate the town's market.

But council officials are confident that the work, now due to begin in March, will run smoothly.

Members of the Accrington town centre regeneration board discussed the impact of work by Transco at a meeting where it was announced that initial work will begin at the junction of Whalley Road and Eastgate.

This will cost the gas pipeline company £148,000 and is likely to be completed in November.

Town centre retailers, councillors and other stakeholders also learned from the council's traffic engineers that the work will be carried out in three defined phases and that Eastgate will be used as an alternative route when traffic it is temporarily diverted from Whalley Road and Abbey Street.

Concerns had been raised by retailers regarding the impact on their businesses if part or all of the roads are closed while the piping is replaced, but council bosses insisted that communication between themselves, Transco and those directly effected by the work would be kept open and suggestions to maximise traffic flow would be taken on board.

Michael Carney, president of the Hyndburn Chamber of Trade, said: "I am pleased town centre business people are fully involved with the Council in working out the practical details. It is clear that with effective communication and planning Accrington will be open for business as usual."

Coun Peter Britcliffe, chairman of the town centre regeneration board and leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: "The council is committed to working closely with all stakeholders, including shoppers, to share details of the works and to keep traffic flowing.

"And I am delighted that business in Accrington town centre is increasing with an additional 2,000 cars per week in the Arndale car parks during January and a 15 per cent increase in turnover reported over the Christmas period. We are now reinforcing this growth with a commitment to major new developments."

A second meeting will be held late next month to discuss the exact timing and phasing of the work.