BATTLE lines are being drawn in Oswaldtwistle over controversial plans to move the town's historic Gobbin Lamp.

It has been suggested the landmark should be moved from its position outside the library to a more prominent site across Union Road, in the recently revamped Jubilee Gardens.

But the proposal, which will be discussed at a meeting of Oswaldtwistle Area Council tomorrow, has caused outcry in the town.

Oswaldtwistle Civic Society has spoken out firmly against the suggestion and has written to Coun Peter Britcliffe, leader of Hyndburn Council and the area committee.

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

Those living in 'Gobbin Land' were also generally poorer and were considered to be a bit more rough and ready.

Linda Dean, co-ordinator for the area council, said: "It is not in a very prominent position and a suggestion was made to one of the councillors it should be moved.

"Work has been done to improve the Jubilee Gardens and it was suggested it be moved there so that it had a more prominent position."

But Mike Booth, chairman of the civic society, said: "The Gobbin Lamp has traditionally stayed on the site it is now on and it should not be moved.

"It goes against the grain to move something that is established and recognised as a historical landmark.

"The character of the Gobbiner holds some romantic associations -- Tyneside has Geordies and Oswaldtwistle has Gobbiners."

Coun Britcliffe said he was expecting a lively debate on the issue. He said: "The proposal to move the Gobbin Lamp is an issue that is very dear to true 'gobbiners' like myself.

"The lamp has stood in the same place outside the library for as long as I can remember and I know that it holds many fond memories for residents of Oswaldtwistle."

The original lamp was removed many years ago and a campaign for its return was started by the late Winnie Hogan, then secretary and founding member of the town's civic society.

Mr Booth said two lamps, as close to the original style as possible, were then installed outside the library in the early 1970s as a result of the campaign, although only one of those now remains.

The could meeting will be at Oswaldtwistle Civic Hall tomorrow, starting at 7pm.