THE historic facade of Darwen Leisure Centre is to be removed as part of a £9million revamp despite council promises it would be saved.

Officials say further assessment has shown the front could not could not be maintained because of its poor condition.

But they have promised to work with architects to try to incorporate part of the facade including the stone steps and columns into the new designs.

The issue was raised by Sudell ward councillor Paul Browne at a public meeting into regeneration.

He said: "At the last executive board we were told the front of the baths would be retained. The facade is part of Darwen's heritage and we don't want the steps and columns removing."

But Steve Rigby, director of culture, leisure and sport, said: "The frontage is coming away from the foundations and is in poor condition.

"We want to incorporate the facade in some way but the front part of the building will have to be taken down and rebuilt.

"We will ask architects if they can retain part of that in the new designs. It is clearly a very important part of Darwen and we may even apply for additional funding to enhance it."

Marilyn Bysh, secretary of Darwen Civic Society, today said she hoped much of the 74-year-old facade would be retained. She said: "We hope it will be kept because it is part of Darwen's heritage."

Construction of the new centre, on the existing site, is expected to take 18 months.

It will include a 25-metre, eight lane pool, a learner pool, a hydrotherapy pool, large gymnasium, improved changing rooms and car park.

The development will go out to tender in September and customers and staff will be moved to other centres ahead of the centre closing in January. Mr Rigby said The council had considered phasing demolition and rebuilding work to avoid disruption but that would have proved too expensive.

Darwen Councillor Eileen Entwistle said: "As far as I'm aware they should be able to put it back up barring any accidents.

"The finer details are still to be discussed but Darwen people want to see the facade stay. It's a nice frontage and part of the heritage of the town and should remain."