Two Conservative councillors have called for a special scrutiny committee to assess the state of Blackburn with Darwen Council's buildings following the controversial closure of Daisyfield Pools.

Cllr Mark Russell and Cllr Paul Marrow fear the problems of the swimming complex could be the tip of a disrepair iceberg.

They have asked for the council's place overview and scrutiny committee to conduct an urgent review into the issue.

The closure of Daisyfield Pools after the discovery of legionella bacteria revealed the council faced bills of £71,000 to refurbish its plant and £3.1million for wider building repairs.

The scrutiny committee's Labour chair Cllr Suleman Khonat said he would be happy to consider adding the issue to it future agenda once the council's consultation on the future of the Daisyfield Pools building was complete later this year.

Committee member Cllr Russell wrote to Cllr Khonat saying: "The closure of Daisyfield swimming baths throws up a few major concerns including how was the building allowed to deteriorate to such an extent that over £3.1m would be required to bring it back into good condition.

"It begs the question of whether other council properties could be in similar situations. I really think what happened at these swimming baths needs scrutinising alongside scrutiny of the condition of the rest of the council's property portfolio.

"We'd be failing in our duty as a scrutiny committee if we didn't call a meeting to scrutinise the issue to ensure it cannot happen again."

Cllr Khonat replied: "We would be happy to review the already agreed agenda at our next meeting.

"I also believe that it would inappropriate and unfair to discuss this item whilst we have a consultation in progress.

"But nevertheless, we can discuss this at our very next meeting."

Cllr Russell said: "Labour is running scared of scrutiny over council buildings' condition.

"Paul and I wanted this scrutinising to ensure Daisyfield swimming pool wasn't the tip of the iceberg in terms of condition of the council's property portfolio."

Fellow committee member and Tory growth spokesperson Cllr Marrow said: "I agree with Mark that it is the role of the committee to be proactive with such issues and it is in the interest of the council for the scrutiny committee to look into the matter at the earliest opportunity.

"This is particularly important in view of the problems other authorities are having with crumbling RAAC concrete."

The two Conservatives also want the committee to looking into why no formal lease was signed with Daisyfield Pools' operator HalfFISH.

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesperson said: "There is now a public consultation underway which will inform a further report to council on these matters.

"In terms of reviewing any decisions made at the council’s executive board, a 'call in' process is clearly set out and available to all members."