CONTROVERSIAL plans to move Oswaldtwistle's historic Gobbin Lamp to a more prominent site have been turned down.

It had been suggested that the landmark should be uprooted from its current position outside the library to a new position in the centre of the recently revamped Jubilee Gardens across the road.

But at a meeting of Oswaldtwistle Area Council last night proposals were opposed by the town's Civic Society, local residents and councillors.

The lamp, which would originally have been a gas lamp, marked the dividing line in the town. People living above the lamp were Gobbiners, who were usually associated with the coal mining or stone quarrying industries, and those below were more likely to be involved in the textile industry.

Speaking at the meeting, Mike Booth, chairman of Oswaldtwistle Civic Society, said: "As far as we are concerned it is in its traditional place. It is where it should be and it is where it should stay."

This view was supported by local people. Many were concerned that the lamp would be vandalised if it was moved to the Jubilee Gardens.

Coun Sandra Heyes said: "I say no, no, no to this -- leave it where it is. We could do more to where it is, like cut the tree back that is hanging over it, but we should keep the town's history and leave it where it is."

Area council chairman, Coun Peter Britcliffe, also agreed. "We are proud of the lamp and its history."