TRADERS on Darwen Market have urged shoppers not to overlook them amid a publicity campaign for Blackburn’s new £8million market.

Darwen three-day market representative Carlo Ricioppo said council bosses had put promoting their offerings ‘on the back burner’ while Blackburn’s new £8million development gets off the ground.

Town hall bosses said they remained ‘fully committed’ to Darwen Market, and pointed out recent investment.

Mr Ricioppo said: “The new Blackburn Market is great, but we’re trying to do some promotion of what we have here.

“We have more choice than Blackburn, and free car parking.

“Normally in shops, you’re in and out, but you’ve got to leave extra time to come here because the stallholders will give advice to the customer about the product.

“Also in Darwen, you get a lot of tradition. Many of the stallholders have been here for decades, and their families before them.”

Stallholder David Gee, whose family have sold fruit and veg on Darwen market for 50 years, backed the call.

He said: “The new market in Blackburn is great for the borough and very modern, but what we have in Darwen is a market town with tradition.

"We need to promote both as a two-pronged thing.”

Sunnyhurst ward town councillor Brenda Cronshaw, who has been a stallholder for over 35 years, said Darwen Market was at the heart of the town with loyal customers.

She said: “We have a very good, traditional market with stability, sensitivity and a smile.

“There is a sense of togetherness here, and we listen to what the customers want.”

Coun Dave Harling, executive member for regeneration, said: "We remain fully supportive of Darwen Market with its unique appeal and offering of an amazing variety of produce and specialist items.

“This is shown by the investment we have made in the revamp of the combined market and town hall which has been a fantastic addition to the overal shopping experience for customers."