A PROPOSED multi-million pound development of Accrington town centre has been given a resounding thumbs-down by Lancashire Evening Telegraph readers.

Readers flooded our special telephone hotline set up to determine whether or not they supported proposals to build a large Wilkinsons store and between six to 10 shops on the current outdoor market in Broadway.

The plans would involve the open market being moved to land around the market hall where the bus station used to be.

We received 190 calls and more than 80 per cent of those who voted said they did not want the new development.

Councillors and members of Accrington town centre regeneration board will consider the views expressed by Evening Telegraph readers and a final decision on whether to go ahead with the scheme will be taken early next month.

The 155 people against the proposals wanted to keep things as they are.

One voter said: "The old market should be revamped and modernised. It would be more sensible for the stallholders and people who shop at Accrington." Another said: "There are too many empty shops in the centre of Accrington. We need this development like we need a hole in the head."

The 35 who supported the scheme wanted to see the town centre modernised.

One said: "All Accrington needs doing up. It's terrible."

Another said: "I think it's a very good idea and it is time that Accrington got the centre up to Blackburn's standard. I live in Oswaldtwistle and shop in Accrington all the time."

Responding to the results, Council leader Peter Britcliffe said today: "They are very interesting results.

"If this decision goes ahead it would be a big decision for Accrington and that is why we are going through as extensive a consultation period as we can.

"We are not only asking the readers, but also consulting through the market board and the Accrington town centre regeneration board.

"The decision is approaching very quickly."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.