A CAMPAIGNING councillor has hit out at Lancashire County Council after vandals raided a listed building in Darwen town centre conservation area.

Derek Brindle - who helped save the former Darwen Technical School from the bulldozers - is questioning the authority's will to sell the landmark in light of the attacks.

He fumed: "I am appalled the premises have been allowed to get into this state. The damage is beyond belief. I have informed the police and secured the site myself."

The Sudell ward councillor headed the action group Darwen Against Demolition two years ago and has been lobbying Lancashire County Council to market the site ever since.

"No potential buyer is going to look twice when all the heating, pipe work and flooring has been ripped out," he complained.

"The authority is definitely dragging its feet when it comes to selling the landmark and has effectively left it to rot. This is especially shocking considering the school is in Darwen town centre's conservation area."

Kendal-based Crowther Homes pulled out of a deal to convert the listed property into flats a year ago and a bid by Darwen property developer Frank Duffin to create a heritage centre in the school was rejected.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "It is unfortunate that buildings empty for some time do become a target for vandals. The site is being offered for sale by tender and the closing date is August 16.

"New sales details have been prepared to reflect the conservation area status the building new enjoys."

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