CUT-PRICE rents are being offered to traders who can bring something different to Darwen's three-day market.

Plans for a rental initiative scheme were announced in late February but full details have only just been revealed.

Traders who offer goods and services not available elsewhere on the market will receive a 50 per cent rent reduction in their first six months.

The scheme has been extended from an initiative at Blackburn Market which initially prompted anger from established traders.

In August 2000, Blackburn with Darwen Council advertised for a retailer to set up a stall specialising in organic food and groceries.

A halal butcher took up the offer and outraged existing traders whose rent had just increased.

In May 2001, council officers admitted that the scheme had hit the trade of other butchers on the market, who said the competition was unfair because of the difference in rental rates.

The halal butcher's concession was then reduced.

Despite these problems, Terry Longden, markets manager at the council, said the scheme was an effective way to widen the choice of goods available to customers.

He said they had learned from the case of the halal butcher and the scheme was now more rational because the bonus was limited to six months' trade.

"If it gets more people on to the market, the other traders will benefit," he said.

"It will give new traders a life. When they start they offer new goods but don't have any regular customers. We think six months is sufficient time for traders to get their own customers."

Mr Longden added that three people had already shown an interest in opening a stall.