THE man who helped design the new traffic system taking shape in Blackburn -- Coun Ashley Whalley, the council's executive member for regeneration -- said waiving car parking charges in the run-up to the Christmas shopping bonanza was not practical.
He said: "The council, in partnership with the shopping centre and local businesses, is supporting traders in the run-up to Christmas by organising and promoting a Victorian Christmas Experience on the first three Saturdays in December, as well as the Christmas Light Switch-On on Thursday, November 22.
"These events will attract visitors from throughout the region and help to boost Christmas trade. Although access to all major car parks hasn't changed, the council is also installing additional signage to direct shoppers and visitors to town centre car parks over the next few weeks."
The closure of Church Street was opposed by traders in Darwen Street and across the town centre.
The opposition campaign, headed by Morrisons' supermarket, claimed it would kill trade.
But Coun Whalley argued that the scheme would attract shoppers previously put off visiting because of the high volume of traffic which travelled through the town centre.
He added: "We are very grateful to the Chamber of Trade for their continued support during the town centre regeneration works and orbital route improvements."
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