A TOWN centre is to undergo a £15,000 study to review traffic management.

One of the main issues for investigation is what would be the effects of fully pedestrianising the area outside Accrington Town Hall and market hall.

The transport and access working group had been presented with a report from the president of Hyndburn Chamber of Trade Michael Carney.

He said that in an ideal world, Blackburn Road would be opened to allow the 'lifeblood of the town' directly into the centre.

But, at the latest meeting of the regeneration board, Mr Carney said: "Initially everyone said 'yes', let the lifeblood come in. But, when we started to examine the reality, we had to take in a lot of points and many doubts emerged.

"For example, if we closed off the town centre, how could we move the traffic around?"

It was agreed that this might not be practical because of safety issues, existing layouts, development projects in and around the town centre and wider traffic management implications.

Numerous suggestions were put forward, using the idea of two inner ring roads with an adjoining link road, pedestrianising the area outside the town hall and market hall, re-routing buses and taxis, opening up St James Street and reversing the traffic flow on Union Street.

The solution came with a unanimously accepted proposal for a detailed study to identify impact, traffic management implications and options before any final plans were put together. A brief for the study is now being prepared and will be put out to competitive tender in late October or November, with the chosen consultants expected to be appointed in January, 2002.

The actual work should then commence next summer, depending on the cost involved in the suggested projects. Coun Ian Ormerod, leader of the Labour group, said: "The Union Street situation is a potato which has been hot for a while.

"On two or three occasions it has been knocked back because of problems with the roundabout at the railway arches but traffic lights would allow access onto the roundabout and I think that that is feasible.

"I am intrigued at the St James Street idea. At first glance it has a lot of merit, but I don't think it will be that simple. However, it should be looked at."

Until the study has been completed, plans to install new bus stands on Blackburn Road have been put on hold and temporary shelters will be set up between St James Street and Eagle Street for Blackburn Services.