A MULTI-million pound-plan to redevelop the heart of Pendle town centre has brought a big yawn from the public.

Town planners said proposals to rebuild a central section of Nelson town centre, following the fire at the old Grand Cinema in Market Street, offered a golden opportunity to breathe new life into the central area.

Their plans included clearance of shops, warehouses and the dilapidated old Lambert's open market -- all to be replaced by new retail outlets, leisure feature, business and housing unit, opening up the Market Street -- Jude Street central area.

But when the 'exciting' proposals were put to the public in a major three-month consultation exercise, they were greeted with apathy.

A report to be presented to tonight's meeting of the council's Nelson committee bemoans the fact that the response rate was 'exceptionally low', attracting just three responses.

But those who did have their say, have had an effect on the draft plan for the centre -- with councillors set to take on board calls for market stalls and craft shops to be placed on the site.

Officers are also now recommending that housing provision be scaled down in the plan and the supply of office facilities be increased on upper storeys of the new buildings.

Nelson Town Centre Forum has also considered the draft plan and are calling for the site owners to redevelop the area in collaboration with the council.

Failing that, say sthe Forum, the council should compulsorariy purchase the site.

The clearance area they are urging councillors to accept will include the old Lambert's Market site -- run down and un-changed in 60 years -- and shops and warehouses in Jude Street.

Shops on Market Street and the Salvation Army building would also go if the wider area is adopted for redevelopment.