TRADERS in Darwen say they have come up with an alternative to the introduction of pay and display parking in the town centre.

They say a car park which is almost unused could be used by both themselves and other long-stay users, making more space for shoppers.

The car park is on the corner of Railway Road behind Response Taxis, less than 100 yards away from where Blackburn with Darwen Council wants to introduce charges at the two market car parks.

It has space for about 50 cars but is rarely used by more than 10.

Brenda Cronshaw, who owns a stall on Darwen's three-day market, said the car park should be used more.

She said: "This car park is not signposted, which is why it is never used. I think the traders should park on there after they have unloaded anything from their cars.

"The office workers who use the car parks because they are nearer to work can also use this facility, making it a lot easier for shoppers to park.

"This means there won't be a need for pay and display parking in Darwen."

Blackburn with Darwen Council is considering introducing a scheme similar to that in Blackburn, where all council-owned car parks are pay and display.

It is conducting a consultation exercise between shoppers and traders with a view to introduce charges at the two market car parks and the car park on Foundry Street.

Council officials believe commuters are parking all day and depriving shoppers of spaces.

Figures given suggest a charge of 20p per hour for the first two hours and £1 per hour thereafter to deter commuters.

But some traders and councillors say pay parking will mean the death of shopping in Darwen.

More than 1,000 signatures were collected in less than a week after stallholders at the town's three-day and five-day markets and the market annexe each posted copies on their premises.

At the time the plan was revealed last week, a spokesman for Blackburn with Darwen Council said there would be free parking available at Knott Street and Police Street, just a couple of hundred yards away from the affected car parks.

Councillor Dave Smith, who is in favour of the scheme, said: "I know the car park they are referring to and it is hardly ever used.

"It is a good idea for traders and office workers to park there but I don't know how it will be implemented.

"Plus, with the work at Darwen Technical School taking place, any company which may take it over will need parking space.

"The 20p charges we collect could also help pay for improved security at other car parks in the town. That is why I am for the scheme."