BLACKBURN'S pavilion buildings are a political hot potato which refuses to go away.

Should they be demolished - or should they be restored to become a town centre showpiece?

The Citizen went out into the street and asked the people of Blackburn for their views.

David Hunt from Ewood said: "I think they're a damned nuisance and an eyesore," said David Hunt, from Ewood. "I walk past the pavilions three times a day and they look terrible - the sooner they are pulled down the better."

Another Blackburn resident from Lammack, who wished to remain anonymous, agreed: "They are a monstrosity - get them down."

But there were more favourable reactions. A lady from Leyburn Road, Blackburn, who also wished to remain anonymous, said: "I'd love to see them restored to their former glory. I've got a lot of fond memories because as a child I used to go in when the Palatine cafe was there and they looked lovely then."

Ian Kelly from Daisyfield, was concerned the loss of the pavilions would spell the end for the town's architectural heritage. "It's this council all over - they just don't seem to care about our heritage. Once they're gone who knows what will be next?

The pavilions are sited close to Blackburn Cathedral and that is where they should stay according to staff.

"They are part of the Cathedral," said secretary Mandy Speak. "We want them refurbished so they complement the area. We don't want them knocked down and and we must protect our architectural heritage."

Former Darwen man, Alec Stuttard, visiting from London, cited Georgian buildings in the capital as an example of what could be done with the pavilions.

"Every listed building in London seems to be a well-looked after home or business. I think it's a great shame the pavilions aren't treated in the same way."

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