CHORLEY stallholders will be facing financial ruin within weeks, says a local businessman.

Company director Peter Booth -- whose wife runs a shop in the town -- said: "Chorley is facing an increasing crisis, which if not checked soon, could threaten much of the town's ability to be viable shopping areas, and see the market enter a period of significant if not terminal decline."

Mr Booth -- also Chorley's prospective parliamentary Conservative candidate -- attacked local politicians. "This Christmas, when Labour politicians sit down to their roast turkey, they should bear in mind those Chorley retailers and traders who will be facing significant debts and even bankruptcy because they have been taxed, regulated and planned out of business."

While Chorley Borough Council could not overturn Westminster taxation policies, he said, they could take steps such as repainting and smartening up structures, and dealing promptly with litter and dirt. He also suggested the appointment of a market and town centre manager to work with traders and promote Chorley.