CHAMBER of Trade chiefs today told shoppers who are set to face disruptive roadworks for up to a year -- use your shops or lose them.

The honorary president of Hyndburn Chamber of Trade said it was essential people continue to use shops or they could face going under.

Two major developments are scheduled to start in Accrington town centre at the same time which has sparked concerns over the effect on local businesses.

Gas company Transco is set to begin digging up sections of one of the main roads through the town next month as part of a multi-million pound package to improve the gas supply system in the North West.

And the work -- which could take up to a year to complete -- is set to clash with Hyndburn Council's £8million market redevelopment project, which will involve major work on Broadway and Peel Street.

Michael Carney, of Accrington's Chamber of Trade, said: "We knew we were going to have this mess in the town centre with the market development but that is ultimately what we want.

"But Transco is a thorn in our side so we need local people to use our shops and continue to use them or we will lose them. If these businesses are down 20 or 30 per cent they won't be there when the development is over.

"Because of this I would urge all people in Hyndburn to please keep coming into the town and using those stores.

"These businesses rely on local shoppers to support them and a lot of the shop keepers in Accrington have invested their lives in the properties and the businesses for the people of Hyndburn.

"We have some cracking shops which are better than any other town in the vicinity and we are imploring people to support them as they have always been there for them."

An urgent meeting for members of the town centre regeneration board's transport and access working group will be held tonight to discuss potential problems with the two sets of work going head to head.

It is expected to be attended by the major town centre stakeholders including traders, police, council officers and councillors.

Mr Carney said: "We want to find out at the meeting what exactly will be happening. A lot of traders have been surprised and dismayed at the Transco work starting at the same time as the town centre project and there are a lot of concerns about disruptions."

Transco said it was essential the work was carried out in order to maintain a gas supply to Accrington.

Work replacing the 1,200m gas pipeline from Whalley Road, along Abbey Street to Manchester Road is scheduled to start on Monday, February 11.

Initial work on the market and shopping centre development is set to begin a month later and is expected to be completed by May 2003.