MARKET traders in Blackburn are desperate to attract customers to their stalls amid confusion that cutomers think it is to close for good.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has announced plans to demolish the market building and move the tenants into a £30million extension planned for the Mall shopping centre.

But traders fear the announcement has confused people into thinking the market is either shut or about to close. Today they called on the public to carry on using the ageing facility until it is demolished, saying we're still here!' Stall holders have planned a series of events to make sure members of the public still visit the 1964-built building for as long as it still stands.

Earlier this month, traders handed over a brand new car to a shopper who was the lucky winner of a competition designed at attracting customers.

Elaine Hargreaves, vice-chair and secretary of the Blackburn branch of the National Market Traders' Federation, said: "We are getting a lot of feedback from customers who are coming in and saying, when are you closing down?

"But we're not closing, we're going to be re-housed."

Coun Andy Kay, Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for regeneration, said: "We are currently in discussion with the Mall as to whether the markets could be relocated to a new site within the shopping centre as part of their plans, which were approved last week.

"If that is not possible we have options for improving the existing site.

"We can assure customers that the markets will continue to be a major part of our plans for the town."