A BID to attract new traders to a declining market could soon see new signs being put up to promote the shopping facility.

Darwen Market has been losing traders over the past few years and the number of vacant stalls is at its highest level for many years.

Now in a bid to halt the decline and encourage new traders, the management team is proposing to display new signs highlighting the market.

A report by market's manager Terry Longden to the Blackburn Council's development services committee said: "While there are a number of signs to direct potential customers to Darwen market, there is only one sign actually on the building.

"The sign is of a poor quality and design and is not at all prominent."

Mr Longden suggests installing new signs on both the front and rear of the market hall building, the arcade and at the access point to the three-day market rotunda.

Mr Longden is requesting permission from committee members to seek planning approval for the new signs.

The committee will consider the application at a meeting on tomorrow.

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