A YOUTH worker is at the centre of a campaign to relocate a Valley market.

Sadaqut Amin, 20, has launched the ‘Haslingden Group’ and hopes 1,000 people will now sign a petition in a bid to move the town’s market to a more central spot.

"The market is dying," said Sadaqut, who is one of 54 members of the newly formed group. "Ever since I have used it it has been deteriorating, especially when you compare it with how excellent Rawtenstall market is. It needs to be more central and improve so I know this petition will get a lot of support," he added.

The petition aims to gather more than 1,000 Haslingden residents’ signatures so that it can be passed to the environmental charity Groundwork and Rossendale Borough Council (RBC).

A recent consultation has been held on how to improve Haslingden town centre. And Groundwork currently has plans posted in Haslingden Library to redevelop the town centre.

Sadaqut added: "Since the market was moved from Bury Road to Manchester Road years ago, there has been increasing criticism with this decision. I feel it hasn’t improved at all. Moreover, it can be troubling for visitors because there is no adequate car park near."

He added: "The market is a place that should bring everyone into the town."

Haslingden’s Greenfield ward Councillor Gladys Sandiford said: "As far as I’m aware the market is not being moved. It is one of many markets throughout the North West that is probably suffering. We are seeing what we can do about getting it rejuvenated."

Councillor Peter Steen, the Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services at RBC, said there were no plans to move the market.