DARWEN traders are to hold a crisis meeting to discuss the road network they say is ruining business.

They say the £1.4m traffic scheme, aimed at improving traffic flow from the junction of Bury Street and Duckworth Street through to the Circus, is putting people off driving into town.

And they have been backed by Darwen MP Janet Anderson who said she failed to see what had been gained by the work.

Council bosses have pledged to try and come up with a solution, but said options were limited because of the costs involved.

Up to 40 shopkeepers and market traders are expected at Wednesday's meeting, and Darwen Chamber of Trade president Andrew McAllister, who has organised the gathering, said feelings were running high.

He said: "People are really biting my hand off to come along. We have got traders from Duckworth Street, Market Street, Bridge Street, Railway Road and the market traders.

"It has affected trade all the way around.

"I know what the facts are but until people tell me face to face it's no use me jumping the gun. Some people think dramatic changes are needed, but I think a small bit of improvement could make a lot of difference. I want everyone to tell me how they have been affected personally."

Mr McAllister said the work - which created a "traffic nightmare" while it was going on - was the chief problem facing traders in the town.

He added: "It's the biggest issue in the town at the moment. We need to get trade back in town.

"The idea was to create a better shopping environment along Market Street, and it was meant to be a much more friendly environment. Unfortunately they have created a more unfriendly one."

And market trader Denise Gee added: "Business is poor in Darwen town centre. We are still suffering and need more shoppers.

"Because of the A666 road network we are being bypassed instead of being visited. They should change the road layout back. If they don't do it soon I dread to think of the consequences."

Darwen and Rossendale MP Janet Anderson said: "It is something that has been dreamt up in the town hall, and I don't see what we have gained from it."

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Colin Rigby said he was working with Coun Alan Cottam, who is in charge of regeneration, to try and come up with a solution.

The work was carried out while the council was in Labour control, but the borough is now run by the coalition of Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and For Darwen Party.

Coun Rigby said: "We are well aware of the concerns, and have spent some considerable time there to try and find a way to relieve the problems.

"It's just not a very good system at the moment. We are looking to try and find a solution but like everything it is down to costs. We are limited to what we can do at the moment."