A SHOPPING street leading to the heart of Blackburn is being let down by ‘naff’ Christmas lights, say traders.

Staff at Alan Rene hair salon say they have been campaigning for better attractions in Church Street for seven years, and were told improvements were a possibility when the new market building opened in June.

But so far, Blackburn with Darwen Council has only installed two Christmas tree-shaped lights on lampposts at the top of the street.

Officials say there has been a problem with the lights intended for the area, which is now being fixed.

A spokeswoman for Alan Rene said: “We were really looking forward to the lights this year, but once again it’s naff.

“We moved here because we were told it was going to be the heart of Blackburn, but since the new market has opened, we’ve not had any more trade than normal.

"People don’t tend to use the side door, but go up through to The Mall using the escalator.

"A set of decent lights might have worked to encourage people to come along here too.”

Maggie Moorcroft of Whittaker’s Schoolwear said: “They have put all the investment into this area recently, but we’ve been let down with the Christmas lights.

“They could have decorated the 10 trees down here or draped lights from building to building, but all we get is two rubbish lights on lampposts.

“It’s very dark along here at night, and better lights would attract people driving or walking past from both the top and bottom.”

Savas Moustacas, owner of El Greco’s cafe, said: “It’s dead down here. The council should have improved the Christmas lights, no doubt about it.”

Councillor Dave Harling, executive member for regeneration, said: “The lights that usually go up on Church Street aren’t working and we haven’t been able to get them fixed.

“We’re currently working with a local supplier to try and source some replacements and get them installed in time for the Christmas lights switch-on, on November 24.”