PLANNING chiefs in charge of a multi-million pound shopping development in Accrington claim they could be close to a deal with a national retailer - but have refused to say who it is.

Hyndburn's director of regeneration Nigel Rix refused to confirm rumours sweeping the town centre that Liverpool-based retailer T J Hughes is hoping to open a new department store in Broadway.

The company itself has also said it has no knowledge of any bid to add to its outlets in Blackburn and Burnley.

But traders involved in discussions about the £7million scheme to transform the shopping precinct believe the company is interested.

Home and garden discount company Wilkinson, of Nottinghamshire, are also believed to be continuing their interest in the flagship store.

No-one at the developers, Leicester-based Helical retail Ltd, was available for comment.

A meeting of the town centre regeneration board heard this week that the scheme will incorporate six shops, the larger store and a refurbished open market.

A glazed walkway would join Broadway to the indoor market and the revamped Peel Street bus station, which is almost finished.

The proposals could also include glass kiosks in the centre of Broadway.

Neville Singer, representing the indoor market traders, told the meeting he feared the entrance to the glazed walkway would be too narrow and be overlooked by many shoppers.

He also claimed original plans to create a market square had been shelved and the Market Hall would be 'covered up' by the new development.

Mr Rix told the meeting a planning application for the entire scheme was likely to be lodged in September, with work beginning early next year.

After the meeting, Mr Rix refused to confirm rumours about T J Hughes or Wilkinson, but said: "There has been a meeting this week between the developer and a major retail company which has made an offer for the larger store."

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