DARWEN Leisure Centre has closed as a multi-million pound redevelopment plans get under way.

The closure comes after months of debate between Blackburn with Darwen Council and leisure centre users about plans for a split site replacement.

In August, councillors approved plans for the construction of a new leisure centre, featuring a competition-sized pool, gym and aerobics studio complemented by a sports hall nearly two miles away at Darwen Vale High School.

Coun John Milburn, executive member for leisure and culture for Blackburn, said: "The closure comes as a culmination of six months of consultation.

"It became more and more unfeasible to have a single site when we looked into suitable alternatives.

"We had two major consultations over the last two weeks about the leisure centre.

"Following the closure there are adequate alternative facilities throughout the borough.

"There is for example a temporary state-of-the-art gym with 60-piece sports equipment at Darwen Vale High School.

"Surveys for demolition will take place over the next few months.

"It hoped the works will take two years to complete - 18 months if possible."