TRADERS have backed plans being explored by Dartford Council to regenerate and refurbish part of the town centre.

The Town Centre Forum, made up of principal community figures, is finalising a vision capable of injecting new life into the area and has earmarked Lowfield Street as a potential area for redevelopment.

The council has commissioned a consultant to prepare a report to examine ways of improving that part of the town. No decisions have been taken and its findings are due to be released in March or April.

Brenda Collier, licensee at the 3-D nightclub, said: "Lowfield Street seems to be a forgotten part of the town. People tend to visit Dartford's shopping centres and the High Street."

Linda Button, owner of The Wool Shop, based at Ripley's Market, said: "Something like this is desperately needed. I have been here 10 years and never known trade to be so bad. Last Thursday, I only took £25 and it was market day."

Bert Bartlett, who runs The Dartford Cobbler, added: "As we're on the outskirts of the town, we tend to be forgotten about."

A Dartford Council spokesman confirmed that the authority and its partners had jointly commissioned consultants to examine the scope for managing the regeneration of the Lowfield Street area.