THE three-day market hall in Darwen, described as ‘the beating heart of the town’, looks set to shut and be demolished after being branded ‘fundamentally obsolete’.

The market has been earmarked for closure by Blackburn with Darwen Council after a review of markets highlighted a drop in footfall.

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More than 40 traders, some of whom have been loyal for more than 30 years, are to be consulted on their ‘willingness to relocate’ to the existing daily market and annexe, which will remain untouched.

Councillors will decide on Thursday whether to suspend lettings at the three-day market immediately.

A recently survey reported urgent repairs to public areas alone would cost more than £200,000 to complete and full refurbishment would cost £1.7million.

Traders and community leaders said ‘very careful consideration’ should be taken before any decision is made about closing the ‘lifeline’ the market offers to the community.

The number of traders on the three-day site was reducing significantly, according to the report. Bosses said the three-day market currently has 66 stalls, of which 26 are vacant.

The daily market, where traders are being encouraged to relocate, currently has 46 stalls, while the annexe has 11 retail units.

Darwen MP Jake Berry said: “Very careful consideration should be given to the views and wishes of current traders to ensure their businesses are not affected by any relocation.

“The three-day market is the beating heart of Darwen.

“I visited traders on Friday to seek their views on these plans and it’s clear they are very concerned about the future.

“There has been chronic under-investment in the these building over several years.”

Cllr Phil Riley, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s regeneration boss, said in a report to the executive board: “The purpose of the report is to enhance the market offer within the town centre and link to to further investment and opportunities for regeneration.

“The market as a whole requires significant investment as the buildings and services have become tired and dated.

“Specifically the three-day market is both physically and functionally obsolete and maintenance and refurbishment costs are not viable.

“Urgent consideration is required to develop a strategy for the whole of Darwen market.”

Key issues needing immediate attention including asbestos removal, roof and floor repairs and electrical works.

However, council bosses think completing these works will not help occupancy.

The council currently receives around £41,000 per year in rents from the three-day site.

Shirley Pilling, who has owned a card stall for 36 years, said: “I wouldn’t like to go into the five-day market.

“There would be too much competition off other stalls and I would have to retire from here, there wouldn’t be room for me.”

Brenda Cronshaw, owner of Brenda’s collectables for 35 years, said: “It’s a community market that is here to serve the people of Darwen.

“The market is extremely important not only to us, but those who come here every day for a chat and to look around.

“It helps with loneliness. You see a lot of familiar faces and create friendships every day.”

Christine Whittaker, who has owned The Fragrance stall for 13 years, said: “I have seen some loyal customers at my stall.

“I love owning this stall, it’s a really social way of working and we have a strong sense of community here.

“Having the extra days would mean there would be more rent to pay and there would be less time to get stock in.”

Julie Ingham, who has owned ‘Tease your Taste buds’ since 2007, said: “There should have been money spent on this building.

“When I first came to this stall the footfall was greater, much greater.

“If I had to move into the five-day market I would have to pay more rent, however I would have less waste as I sell fresh baked goods.”

Should the plans proceed, the demolition of the site is estimated to cost £280,000, relocation costs would be £65,000 and repairs to the remainder of the market complex would be £75,000.

Those figures do not include any repairs to the current market car parks or any refurbishment of the remaining market and annex buildings.

Cllr Riley said: “Should closure and demolition be approved in principle, further consultation would be needed in connection with possible future plans for the site.

“There is an opportunity for a landmark town centre development which could be a real focus point for the town.”