SOLUTIONS to the Lord Square problem have been suggested by business leaders and politicians in a bid to get things moving.

The leader of the Conservative group on Blackburn with Darwen Council, Coun Colin Rigby, said demolition was not the only course of action.

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He said: "The area is a dump at the moment but you can't just say 'knock it down' without knowing what the viable alternative is.

"My opinion, for what it is worth, is that if Standard Life won't move quickly, that the council does all it can to force movement.

"I am sure there are options open."

Mike Damms, chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are disappointed that Standard Life appear to be the trend followers rather than the trend setters.

"Standard Life need to consider their priorities and where the town centre of Blackburn sits on that list.

"If it isn't very high up, then thought could be given to the idea of selling part of it off for someone else to develop."

Ron O'Keefe, president of Blackburn and District Chamber of Trade, said: "Improving Lord Square is a priority.

"I think the main issue is filling the shops in there first.

"Once that has been achieved, we will be able to see what else needs doing."

Coun Edward Harrison, who helped compile a report on the future of the town centre, said: "There is no point having a wonderful Church Street if that eyesore stays as it is.

"It is my opinion that if Standard Life won't develop then we should work with them to make them do it and look for European funding to do the job properly."

There was no comment from Standard Life when asked if they would sell but they have said they are committed to the entire shopping centre.

Blackburn with Darwen Council and Ashley Whalley, executive member for regeneration, refused to comment on whether they were considering alternative solutions.

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