THE new 'community arts festival' in Blackburn could cause extra policing problems by clashing with a Blackburn Rovers home game.

Council bosses have confirmed at least part of the town centre summer event, which will replace the axed Mela and Arts in the Park, will take place over the August bank holiday weekend.

But the event's organising committee will consider sharing the programme over different weekends.

The bank holiday, August 23 to 25, could clash with a Rovers fixture, presenting police with a logistical headache.

Police bosses have said while they have not objected to the town centre plans, holding it on the August bank holiday would not be their "first choice".

Blackburn with Darwen's executive member for leisure and culture, Coun Michael Law-Riding, insisted a clash would not scupper his plans.

But Labour's shadow member for leisure, Coun John Milburn, claimed it could lead to a "watered-down event with fewer police".

He said: "Everyone I have spoken to says it would be crazy to go ahead not knowing the situation with the football fixtures."

Coun Law-Riding said: "There will be something on the bank holiday weekend.

"It could be one weekend, or it could be several.

"I am not in a position to say more. I want to talk to people first.

"It could be anything we want it to be.

"People are talking about it as a merger of the two events, but it's a new event and it needs new ideas.

"I am concerned about the football, but we will fit something in around that."

He said he wanted sport to feature in the festival, which is yet to be named. A 10km race, possibly involving Blac-kburn Harriers, looks likely.

The decision to axe the Mela and Arts in the Park has drawn strong criticism from Labour councillors, who have raised safety fears about using Blackburn town centre as the venue.

The organising committee of councillors, business owners and representatives from community groups, holds its first meeting on Wednesday.