TRADERS across Blackburn are pleading with council bosses to lay on free parking throughout December in a bid to woo shoppers back to the town.

Months of roadworks throughout the town centre have led to traders claiming there has been a slump in trade -- with some businessmen saying a bumper Christmas is the only thing which will ensure they survive should a recession kick in next year.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has already pledged to make sure all roadworks in Blackburn are suspended in the four weeks running up to Christmas so that festive shopping is not disrupted. But leading traders have voiced concerns that the gesture may be too little, too late.

Now they want free car parking throughout December.

Parking in Blackburn shopping centre costs £1.20 for two hours, while parking on Blackburn Market is free after 3pm.

Work on Blackburn's orbital route -- which is aimed at providing a smoother flow of traffic through the town -- and the pedestrianisation of Church Street have led to long delays, tailbacks and confusion for drivers.

Ronnie O'Keefe, president of Blackburn's Chamber of Trade, said: "We know the roadworks will lead to the regeneration of Blackburn town centre but at what cost? We are being warned that there is a recession looming and for many people, a bumper Christmas is all that will see them through.

"Trade is already down across the town. Along King Street, Darwen Street, Audley and throughout the town centre, traders are reporting less business. People simply don't want the hassle of coming and shopping when they have to battle through roadworks.

"An extra incentive, like free parking, would encourage shoppers to come back.

"We are asking Coun Ashley Whalley, who as the person in charge of regeneration can make this decision, to adopt the guise of Santa Whalley and spread a bit of festive goodwill."

Chamber member Bob Turner, who runs Toplex in Penny Street, said: "A lot of people have been put off by the roadworks, even if they are for the good of the borough in the long term."

Raymond Goldstone, of the Blackburn Market Tenants Association, said: "We are concerned about the damage to trade the roadworks are doing, and not just in the short term.

"There has been a lot of money spent on consultants throughout the operation and we are sure a better way of doing the roadworks could have been devised.

"A good example is in Accrington, where disruption at sensitive areas and junctions was possible, the roadworks were carried out at night.

"We believe Blackburn with Darwen Council is trying to improve Blackburn for the future but we are going through a painful experience resulting in losses for traders and inconvenience for the travelling public.

"Free parking and bus fare discounts throughout December would be a good booster and start to 2002 and give the public the chance to see we are the best place to shop."