Market traders in Blackburn have been reassured that they can continue trading in their current premises until the new market opens.

Their rent reductions will also continue until the £8 million market hall is complete.

The new market, which is being built on the ground floor of the Mall shopping centre, was due to open in March.

However, one of the sub contractors working on the development went into administration.

The contractors Browns Construction Group Ltd are now working round the clock on the fit out which is well underway.

A meeting is due to be held next week when it is hoped a date for the opening will be finalised.

Councillor Dave Harling, Executive Member for Regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, has written to all traders.

He said: “Traders can stay on the existing market after March 4 if they want to and continue trading until the new market opens.

“We are trying to help and support traders through the next few weeks as best we can and it is only right that rent reductions continue while they are still trading from the old market.

We are reviewing the service charges but cannot promise any reductions due to the difficult financial situation we are in currently.”