TO anyone who does not already live nearby and know the area a walk from Blackburn's Victoria Street through Whalley Range is quite a revelation.

A wide range of businesses selling food, clothing, jewellery and other items from Asia and the Far East already draws shoppers in the know from as far afield as Leicester, Leeds and Bradford.

Now the council is to market the area as a 'Gateway to Asia' and promote it as a 'bazaar' which they hope will attract people from all over East Lancashire and beyond.

But in order to get more shoppers Coun Andy Kay admits that the area has to be more accessible from the town centre.

At present Barbara Castle Way acts as a Berlin Wall-style barrier which is very difficult for any motorists to negotiate from the town centre.

And walkers face a boring, lengthy trek even after they manage to get across the dual carriageway.

What is needed is a properly marked trail, like those found in many cities around the world, to help people find their way as well as plenty of signs.

With proper promotion of the Whalley Range area and Blackburn's market the town could then perhaps build a reputation and realise its potential as a shopping centre worth making a journey to visit.