MULTI-MILLION plans for Blackburn town centre have sparked a furious row between councillors.

Liberal Democrat leader Paul Browne blasted a project which could see £40million worth of improvements in Blackburn.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has bid for £5million worth of government cash which could spark off a major revamp of the town.

But Councillor Browne is furious that Darwen has been left out in the cold in the bidding process.

Speaking at a regeneration committee meeting, Coun Browne said: "I am getting sick and tired of Darwen coming second best with this council.

"This is supposed to be Blackburn with Darwen Council but as far as I can see it is still Blackburn Council." He added: "We are talking about big bucks coming into the borough here but the money will be coming to just one side of the borough.

"If we continue to do nothing for Darwen then it will just get worse for the town.

"I am a Darrener and proud of it and I think it is about time we got a fair slice of the cake."

Labour's Mike Madigan said: "For too long we have had to sit here and listen to comments like this from Paul Browne.

"He has quite clearly got a closed mind and an open mouth."

Regeneration chairman Andy Kay added: "We never forget about Darwen but a scheme of this size would be much too big for Darwen.

"We are currently working on another development which would have a direct impact on Darwen town centre.

"This is not about Blackburn or Darwen but about bringing whatever resources we can into the borough."

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