As the demoltion of Lord Square in Blackburn began, we asked onlookers what they thought.

  • Fred Bridge, 70, Billinge End Road, Pleasington.

It's been an eyesore for years. I say good riddance, and I hope the new shopping centre is successful.

  • Bernard Catterall 50, Queensway, Blackburn.

I was off work so I thought I would stop and watch the first few bricks fall. It's long overdue - probably 20 years or more.

  • Kevin Morris 23, Whittaker Street, Blackburn.

I have looked at the plans for the new centre and they look good. We need to bring new people into the town centre.

  • Carole Waddington 39, Ballantrae Road, Shadsworth.

I don't mind them knocking it down as long as it looks better than it did before. We need decent shops at decent prices.

  • Mary Courtney 75, Livingstone Road, Blackburn.

I am not sad to see it go, it's a monstrosity. I remember before the 1960s. We had some beautiful buildings then.

  • Mahmood Bawa 45, St James' Road, Blackburn.

In a way it's sad to see these buildings go because I grew up here and these are my memories. But I want to see Blackburn expand.