ACCRINGTON businesses were today bracing themselves for a traders' nightmare after it was revealed that two major development projects are due to begin at the same time.

Gas company Transco is set to dig up part of Accrington town centre next month as part of a multi-million pound package to improve the gas supply system in the North West.

But 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 and affect town centre parking.

An urgent meeting for members of the town centre regeneration board's transport and access working group has been called to discuss potential traffic problems and fears that shoppers will be driven away by the two sets of work.

Michael Carney, of Accrington's Chamber of Trade, 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.

"It can cost them a lot of money and there are some that are border line now. We are talking a serious loss of income if the road in front of the shops is closed and this could tip them over the edge.

"It is work that we appreciate does need to be done for safety reasons but at the same time it could take away someone's livelihood."

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

David Law, principal engineer for Hyndburn Borough Council's traffic and transportation department, said Transco want to do the work as quickly as possible.

But initial work on the market and shopping centre development is set to begin a month later.

Work on the £8million project by Leicester-based developer Helical Retail and Accrington Broadway, a company set up by Bilsdale Properties to undertake and finance the development, is expected to be completed by May 2003.

The meeting will be held on Monday evening and be attended by the major town centre stakeholders including traders, police, council officers and councillors.

Peter Britcliffe, Hyndburn Council leader, said: "It is understandable that Transco needs to remove the pipeline and council staff will do their utmost to minimise disruption.

"It is better that any disruption takes place now than after the completion of our town centre development."

Transco is also talking to the police and the local authority to draw up detailed plans to minimise the impact on local residents, traders and road users. An information leaflet is also being issued to local people.

Chris Murray, Transco Asset General Manager, said: "This is essential work to maintain a safe and efficient gas supply system."