BEAUTY, the saying goes, is in the eye of the beholder. But is it not a pity that so few eyes have been allowed to determine the attractiveness or otherwise of a colossal new tower that is set to become a prominent East Lancashire landmark?

Already, there is controversy over the giant structure - part of a £3million factory being built for Italian-owned wire firm FD Sims' move from Ramsbottom to the hilltop Shadsworth Business Park overlooking Blackburn.

The company claims that the 100ft tower, which will be floodlit by night, could have the same appealing impact as the Angel of the North statue at Gateshead. And council officers say it promises to be interesting and eye-catching.

But opposition regeneration spokesman Coun Alan Cottam says it is not on for such a tower to be built at one of the highest points in the town. And the firm with a new office complex next door to the new works regards it as "inappropriate".

Yet, in the case of what is set to be a hugely significant edifice both in terms size and impact, the go-ahead is down to just a handful of councillors and planning officials. But on something so momentous should not the public have had a greater say?

And why not give them the chance, now that the design of the tower is being reworked to include the company's logo and the business park's signage? Let the people decide whether they like it or reject it.