WORK on the first phase of the multi-million pound Accrington market square development could start within the next six to eight weeks.

The first step involves roadworks to realign Peel Street, where the bus station is, and relocate bus stands along the length of the street.

Meanwhile, leading discount operator T J Hughes plc is reported to be at an advanced stage of negotiations with developers Arrowcroft, over the possibility of taking the anchor two-storey department store in the shops development.

Hyndburn Council director of development services Nigel Rix, confirmed that the chairman and managing director of T J Hughes had visited Accrington to look at the regeneration of the town centre. He said: "They are the company I have welcomed to Accrington on the basis they are at an advanced stage of negotiations with Arrowcroft."

Mr Rix said that 30 market traders, retailers, councillors and officers travelled to Widnes, Cheshire, last week to visit a T J Hughes store trading next to a thriving market.

Tony Potter, finance director of the Liverpool-based company, said: "Accrington is a town we have looked at in the past. At this moment we have no firm plans to move into there."

The proposed department store would be built on the cleared site of the present open market, with an access of Broadway and another immediately outside the market hall.

Development plans also include 14 or 15 smaller shops between Broadway and Peel Street, together with a glazed market pavilion alongside the Victorian market hall.

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