BOSSES at one of Blackburn's oldest stores fear they will be driven out of business because road changes have left their customers driving round in circles.

Managers at Mercer's, the Northgate-based department store which has been in the town for nearly 170 years, claim trade has dropped 25per cent since roadworks began in the Cardwell Place area.

The aim of the new Blackburn with Darwen Council scheme is to cut off a popular motorists' rat run and encourage them to use the town centre orbital route.

Drivers can no longer go from Mincing Lane to Barbara Castle Way by using Lord Street West, Barton Street and Northgate.

Part of that work has involved creating a no-right turn junction where Lord Street West meets Barton Street.

Instead drivers have to turn left, forcing them into a loop which takes people trying to get to Mercer's car park back to where they started, in King Street.

Signs have been set up around the town telling people how to get to attractions such as Waves and King George's Hall using roads off the orbital route.

But no information is given on the signs on how to get to either the Mercer's car park or the council-owned one next door.

Neal Atherton, manager at Mercer's, said: "This is the biggest threat to he business we have ever faced.

"People can't get to the car parks they normally use, because they don't know which roads to take and they aren't prepared to drive around and hunt out the right route.

"The town centre car park next to us is normally full all the time but at lunchtimes now, there are just one or two cars on it.

"People who are coming in are thanking us for our service but saying they are going elsewhere in the future.

"Parts of our business compete with shops on the Townsmoor Retail Park which is just out of town, and has ample free parking.

"We can't compete with that, especially when the council has cut off our car park. It's an easy run to Preston, Bolton and the Trafford Centre too."

Alan Fish, from the Refreshment Bar in Northgate, said: "We've been here over 50 years and I think this is the worst we've known.

"The council keep talking to us about three year strategies but we may not be here then."

Peter Walker from Mellors Wires Works store, Lord Street West, added: "On Friday, a lorry driver found he couldn't turn right, and it took 20 minutes for him to be able to back up. This end of the town is dying."

Graham Burgess, executive director for regeneration at the council, said: "As with any major change, there will be short term disruption.

"We are sensitive to the concerns of traders which is why we have posted signs around the town warning motorists of the changes.

"In the longer term, the transformation of the town centre is going to provide a massive boost to trade."