TOWN centre bosses have launched a campaign to keep shoppers in Hyndburn when Manchester's prestigious new Trafford Centre opens its doors.

The scheme aims to attract people to Accrington and its surrounding towns by highlighting the benefits of local shopping through a series of unique events.

Bill Huntley, Hyndburn's town centre liaison officer, told councillors East Lancashire towns could lose up to 15 per cent of trade in the first year after the new city complex opens.

He stressed towns in the region needed to work together to soften the effects of the Trafford Centre.

Traders, chambers of commerce and councillors will all play a part in promoting local shopping.

Mr Huntley said: "Blackburn can expect to lose 15 per cent of retail trade in the first year. The figure will be lower here but the Trafford Centre still poses a threat. "We want to raise the profile of towns in the North West and push the issues that attract people to our centres, like clean, family environments."

Towns as far apart as Kendal and Stoke-on-Trent had signed up to a joint initiative to promote their shopping centres, he added.

Merchandise featuring the campaign slogan 'town centre shopping - the real shopping experience' has already been launched.

An events calendar, including an Accrington jazz festival, is being drawn up and a new Hyndburn shopping guide is also set to hit the streets.

"The idea is to make people remember our town centres and persuade them to come back," added Mr Huntley.

Members of the economic development board backed the plan, which will be funded by £8,500 already set aside in council budgets.

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