THERE has been nothing but good news in our town centres in recent months.

A new £66million extension opened in Blackburn’s Mall and work is set to start on Burnley’s £40million Oval shopping centre in the new year.

But a dark cloud looms on the horizon after news that the £700million Tithebarn development in Preston looks set to be approved by the Government following a public inquiry.

The expansion of Preston city centre, which will be bigger than Blackburn and Blackpool centres combined, would cover 37 acres and feature big names such as Marks and Spencer and John Lewis.

While this is good news for shoppers, the consequences for our shopping centres could be dire.

East Lancashire businesses, particularly market traders and small shops, are still caught in the grip of the recession and the loss of trade could prove fatal for some of them.

With the demise of the North West Development Agency and the slashing back of area grants given to our councils by the Government, East Lancashire is set for a rough ride.

Blackburn and Blackpool councils were right to stand up for East Lancashire but it looks like a very bad decision has been made.