CLITHEROE traders have launched a campaign against the proposed £9million transformation of the town’s historic market.

‘The Clitheroe Market Traders Steering Group’ was formed after details for the ‘Market Quarter’ were unveiled on Friday.

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Submitted by Nelson-based Barnfield Construction, the 900-year-old market will feature a 60-bed hotel, retail and leisure units, a 56-space car park and revamped market hall, if approved by Ribble Valley Borough Council.

However, current traders in the town have expressed their concerns about how the potential development would look and believe the new build would not help their businesses.

Stallholder and Nelson councillor Eileen Ansar, said the traders are ‘upset’ with what the new market could look like.

She said: “There are many aspects of this new market that as a collective, we are not happy with.

“The proposed plans show that the market would be more than two storeys. Can you imagine the difficulty of getting your stock up and down the stairs every day?

“The market itself has been pushed back with retail units placed nearer the entrances.

“It’s as if the market has been forgotten about and it’s an add-on feature to the big hotel and other features.

“Its upset a lot of traders, the current market is outdoors which means customers with pets can come and go as they please.

“Now they won’t be allowed to bring in pets, which could put people off wanting to go in.

“We are not against a redevelopment of the market, but we need the market to stay as the main feature.

“It is a crucial part of our heritage and it’s important that it is not lost.”

Cllr Sue Knox, who represents Littlemoor on the borough council, said: “There needs to be a market that can support all areas of society.

“Young, old, disabled, shoppers, residents, everyone.

“It’s an important part of the town and everyone should be able to benefit from it, We are all in this together.”

A formal planning application is due to be submitted in the autumn with the first phase of construction scheduled by February next year, if approved.