BLACKBURN town centre has suffered a blow with plans for a massive face-lift for the six-day market delayed until next year.

Work was set to go ahead at the end of this month to renovate the interior and exterior of the market and the improvements were expected to be finished in time for the busy festive shopping period.

But plans have been put on ice as Blackburn Council wait to hear whether they have been granted European funding for the expensive project which will boost cash totals from the City Challenge grant.

Despite work programmes being rescheduled to avoid any inconvenience to stall holders over the hectic Christmas period some traders are unhappy about the delay.

One trader, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The situation is ridiculous. The six-day market has not been done up for almost 26 years. They keep promising us refurbishments and then moving the date. It has affected trade dramatically. It is just as barren as a desert in here now. A lot of traders have just given up." Blackburn-based architect firm Chadwick and Bracewell are responsible for drawing up the renovation plans for the six-day market which includes attractive entrances, a glass lift taking shoppers to new style-cafes and refurbished stalls with canopies.

Alan Peake, Director of the Council's Development Services Department, said: " We could have had all the work completed before the Christmas trading period but for the short delay on the decision over European funding."

Mr Andy Kay, chairman of the Development Services Committee, said: "I understand from what I've heard and been involved in that market traders see the benefit of such a refurbishment.

"We do not want to throw away close to half a million pounds from European funding which is exactly what we will do if we start work early."

Market Hall Traders Association chairman Jack Cothliffe said: "The traders are planning and working towards the refurbishment and there will be big changes which will benefit our customers."

There was good news for three-day market traders as work is under way to improve stalls and customer facilities and is expected to be completed in 17 weeks.

Bill Shaw, chairman of the Three Day Traders Association, said that traders were pleased with the market's new image which he claims has attracted more customers and boosted trade.

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