OBJECTORS could force a public inquiry into plans to demolish Burnley's St James' church spire - and delay plans for a £12 million town centre development for months.

News of the move came as more than 100 people today staged a public protest at the 150-year-old steeple - calling on council bosses to re-think their clearance plan.

Shoppers joined local historians and environmentalists to add to a 200-name petition demanding protection for the Grade ll listed building in Bethesda Street.

Organiser Steven Smith, said action was needed to save the stone spire - the last remaining landmark of old Burnley in the centre.

"Burnley's heritage has been systematically destroyed over decades. Now is the time to say enough is enough," he said

Mr Smith hoped the spire could be incorporated into the planned Curzon Street new shops and car parks development, due to get under way later this year. "But if we cannot get the council to see sense, we will certainly hope to win a public inquiry where the decision can be made by independent authorities," he said.

"Burnley Council are keeping a very low profile and it is time they came out and explained their actions to the public."

Council officers say the spire cannot be incorporated into the development being carried out by centre owners, Great Portland Estates.

And they add they simply haven't the money to remove the structure stone by stone and rebuild on another site.

One protester, miner John Ashworth, 66, a former choirboy at St James' church, said: "It would be a crying shame to lose the spire. We must do all we can to save it."

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