READERS of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph were today urged to help decide the future of a proposed multi-million pound development of Accrington town centre.

People have been urged to vote in our special telephone poll on whether or not they support proposals to build a large Wilkinsons store and between six to 10 shops on the current outdoor market site in Broadway.

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

Opinion is divided as to whether the complex will provide an essential boost to the town centre, or whether the proposals will sound the death-knell for market traders.

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

Council leader Peter Britcliffe, who is chairman of the board, said: "People are very divided about this issue.

"It became very clear at the town centre regeneration board that, while the market people were reluctant to be disturbed, other people - for instance, the Arndale and many of the stores - were keen to see a future development.

"What we really want to hear are the views of the public.

"We want to know what the people who shop in Accrington think. "I am delighted the Evening Telegraph is holding this phone poll and taking part in democracy.

"I am urging as many people as possible to take part.

"The decision will affect the next generation so it is vital to consult as widely as possible.

"Councillors will be listening to the public and obviously the telephone poll will be another important influencing factor when we make that decision on whether to say yes or no early next month."

All outdoor market traders have voiced their opposition to the scheme.

They want to be left on their current site and are also worried that a Wilkinsons store - selling general household goods - will cripple their trade.

A fact-finding visit to Halifax, where a Wilkinsons store was built next to the market, has been arranged for March 1 to try to allay fears and assess the impact of the store on the potential loss of trade.

Neville Singer, chairman of the market hall tenants' association, said: "The market traders have two concerns.

"One is the Wilkinsons store and one is the actual development.

"At a meeting with the market traders not one of them was in favour of the scheme."

But Dave Jones, manager of the Arndale Centre, said: "I welcome the development as long as we don't have the same people in there as in the town. It is important to get something we haven't already got. I know the market traders are really concerned about Wilkinsons but I think a visit will allay a lot of fears." Nigel Rix, director of regeneration at Hyndburn Council, said: "Retailers are coming forward in a significant way to take space in the proposed scheme."

The Walker Family Trust - an offshore company owned by Blackburn Rovers owner Jack Walker and his brother Fred - has agreed to finance the £7million scheme.

The council has been working with the Walker Family Trust through Leeds-based company Bilsdale Properties, which advises the trust on investing.

Leicester-based Helical retail Ltd - a leading national retail developer - would be responsible for the building work.

The names of the other stores who have expressed a firm interest have not yet been revealed.

But it is known that famous high-street retailers are in the process of agreeing terms, including a fast food retailer, a shoe store, a telephone shop and a women's clothes shop.

A planning application is due to be received on February 25.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph Info Connect line

To register your vote:

If you think the £7million plan to revamp the shopping centre complex in Accrington should go ahead ring:

0990 44 66 44 and enter 9000 If you think the proposal should not go ahead please ring:

0990 44 66 44 and enter 9001

Callers will also have 15 seconds to leave any comments they wish to make and each call will cost no more than 10p (local rate).

The results of the telephone vote will be published on Monday.

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