COUNCILLORS have been challenged to give up their annual allowances to pay for Darwen Tower to be lit up.

Liberal Democrat Paul Browne wants the town's other 16 councillors to show they are "true Darweners" by giving up their £5,884 pay.

He said he was sure he could count on the support of his fellow Lib Dem councillors - but his plan received a lukewarm reaction from some members of the For Darwen, Labour and Conservative parties.

Coun Browne said felt council funds should not be used to cover the cost, thought to be £60,000 to £80,000, of lighting up the tower. It comes after a number of councillors in recent months said they wanted the tower to be illuminated.

Key figures said the move would help put the town on the map, in line with the aims of the Lancashire Telegraph's We're Backing Darwen campaign, which is bidding to kick-start the revitalisation of the town.

Coun Browne said: "I think our lot will go for it. I don't think the council should pay the £80,000. It is a lot of money and it should be spent on essential services. If we all gave up our allowances it wouldn't cost the borough a penny.

"If they are true Darweners, they will give it up."

Coun Tony Melia, leader of For Darwen, last month revealed plans to form a charitable trust which would raise money towards the target earlier this month.

But Coun Melia was not sure about Coun Browne's plan. He said: "I give my allowances to charities in Darwen. I have done that since I became a councillor last May to put money back into the community.

"I would donate some of it to the fund but I don't want other charities I donate to, to suffer. I would work very closely with Paul to raise the money.

"Darwen Tower was funded by public subsidy and raising this money would give ownership of the scheme back to the public."

Labour councillor Dave Hollings said: "It depends on what's being done and how things are being put forward. But I would want to contribute."

Colin Rigby, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Conservative councillor for North Turton with Tockholes, said: "I have doubts about the scheme. I don't think it is a great idea.

"If Paul Browne wants to do that then that's fine and up to him.

"I suppose if I had interest in another scheme and thought it was a good idea, I would consider contributing to it."