ACCRINGTON'S historic market hall could be redeveloped as a live music and theatre venue, according to consultants employed by the council.

But with one market trader branding the idea "ridiculous" and a leading councillor saying it was impractical, it remains to be seen whether the ambitious plan could ever come to fruition.

Consultants working for Hyndburn Council have come up with a range of proposals for the future of the area, which include labelling the town as having the "best market in the region".

The Victorian market hall has run into disrepair and the council, which owns the building, has vowed to invest in a bid to release the property's "huge potential".

A report called Accrington Live has been produced by a group of Sheffield University post-graduate students into the potential for the future of the town.

Kevin Davis and his colleag-ues spent six weeks in the town investigating before publishing their findings.

Mr Davis said: "More and more public events could really reinvigorate the town centre.

"The market hall is a fantastic, large public space and could be used as a venue for public performances of comedy, theatre and music.

"A redevelopment could see the building used to house the town market but then the space could be cleared for evening entertainment."

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said the report was "thought provoking".

He said: "It is always interesting to hear a fresh perspective and the report will taken seriously. We are committed to developing the market hall but the details of the scheme have not been decided."

But Market trader Ian Smith, whose family has run a butcher's stall in Accrington since 1940, said he thought the plan was a "ridiculous idea".

He said: "The council should focus on making this place a better market not silly ideas like this. I just don't think it would work. Where would you put the stalls?"

Opposition Labour leader Coun Graham Jones said: "It's a great idea but I think it is more idealistic than practical."

The market hall needs repairs to its roof, flooring and lighting and was set to be sold off by the council earlier this year before protests from tenants.

As well as the proposals for the market hall the Accrington Live report suggests the town should focus on its strengths.

That includes improving historical landmarks and providing more green spaces in the town centre.