TOWN centres are struggling like never before because of the recession, out-of-town retail parks and internet shopping.

In East Lancashire, it’s not just the economically-challenged boroughs of Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley and Hyndburn, either.

Clitheroe, like market towns in other parts of the country, is also suffering.

Having looked carefully at ways of making the centre more shopper-friendly, a new Town Centre Team has come up with the idea of pedestrianising Castle Street during normal trading hours.

Business owners are being asked for their views, and if the plan gets enough support it will go forward for council backing.

But early indications are that traders are divided over whether they want vehicles banned during the day.

It is not an easy call to make.

Clitheroe has a good selection of small shops and some people will prefer to walk around without the hindrance of cars and lorries.

Others might be deterred by the idea of having to find parking spots and walk some distance, especially in the rain.

The decision is too important to get wrong – but it’s not an easy one to make.