A BUSINESSMAN claims a plan to shut part of a street while road improvements are carried out could cost him trade.

Council officials today revealed that they will have to close one entrance to Fleming Square, which links Darwen Street and Mincing Lane, while resurfacing work is carried out on Darwen Street, Blackburn.

Hairdresser Jeff Stone, who has campaigned to stop the pedestrianisation of Church Street, believes the plan to improve Darwen Street could put him out of business.

Work is due to begin on August 6 and could take several months.

Mr Stone said: "It will do my business no end of damage. I have a lot of passing trade and people benefit from parking outside my shop.

"They can drive in one entrance to Fleming Square and out the other. By blocking off the one entrance with Darwen Street it is going to be impossible for people to get to me."

A survey by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph last month revealed that many traders on Darwen Street felt business had suffered since the closure of Church Street to through traffic because fewer cars were coming through the town centre.

Graham Cowley, assistant director of technical services at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "The council is working with local businesses to minimise disruption and will keep them informed of progress of the works.

"Fleming Square car park will remain open at all times."