A CONTROVERSIAL drama featuring lesbian images will go ahead, despite being blasted by a councillor.

'She Came When She Was Ready' will be performed by Double-Breasted Theatre Company at Burnley Mechanics on March 10 as part of International Women's Week.

Jacqui Livesey, publicity officer for the council-owned theatre and arts centre, said: "I see no reason why the production should not go-ahead. There is nothing offensive in it.

"Burnley Mechanics' remit promises to provide arts and entertainment for the whole community and we feel this production falls within that remit.

"As far as subject matter goes, the Mechanics cannot have promoted more than two of these kind of shows in more than 10 years of existence."

However, Independent Coun Harry Brooks has vowed to do everything he can to get the show stopped. He said: "I accept that homosexual and lesbian activity is not in itself a crime, but I think there is a crucial difference between that and actually encouraging it.

"I think any public body is being irresponsible if it oversteps that mark.

"I think it is particularly disturbing if it is open to any age group. I don't think, as a council, we should give space to this kind of production."

He said he would be raising the issue at the earliest opportunity at a council meeting.

A spokeswoman for the theatre company said: "We create theatre that reflects specifically lesbian, bisexual and women's issues but which is non-exclusive.

"It thus appeals to a mixed audience, attracting new people who have little or no contact with the arts.

"We have a commitment to equal opportunities and work in a non-discriminatory manner."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.