WORK to replace a culvert underneath Bank Street in Rawtenstall is proceeding as planned and contractors say it will be completed on time.

The 14-week project began on May 14 and a spokesman said today: "It is on schedule and everything is going to plan."

A temporary footbridge outside Cryer's will be removed very soon and the precast units, which now carry Balladen Brook under the road, are in place and filling in has begun.

The work has affected local businesses and although access to premises has been maintained, shopkeepers have reported a serious downturn in trade.

One shop held its sale at the height of the season.

President of Rawtenstall Chamber of Commerce Debbie Greenwood said: "We can't wait for the work to be completed.

"We are relieved to say the end is pretty much in sight and the process of filling in has started. So the project must be nearing completion. All we can hope is that the the remedial work goes without a hitch.

"It has badly affected business. People see the roadworks and think the shops aren't open. They take one look and say I'm not going down there. And because they can't park, they are reluctant to walk.

"Hopefully we are going to look at organising something to promote the town once the work is finished to get the customers back into the shops."