Labour make Waves!

Wensley Fold councillors have collected hundreds of signatures in support of their campaign.

It has been triggered by a Conservative vow that if they take power of Blackburn with Darwen Council in May's elections, they will shut the Waves Water Fun Centre, which attracts 200,000 visitors a year.

Tories claim it costs £250,000 in subsidies to keep it open every year, and that by closing it they could make money by selling the land for car parking or a shopping development.

Among those hitting the streets was Coun Kate Hollern, leader of the council, who said: "We fully intend to retain power in the elections, but we want to highlight the damage that would be caused by the Tories if they were allowed to do this.

"So many people use it a year, and much of the subsidy is to pay for things like swimming lessons which are held there.

"It is a massive asset to the borough and to lose it would be to the massive detriment of Blackburn town centre."

Labour, however, is determined to push ahead with one plan to close a town centre attraction the Lewis Textile museum.

There has been a massive outcry over the plans, which would save the council £23,000 a year.

The museum, in Exchange Street, was donated to the council in the 1940s and celebrates Blackburn's textile past.

Coun Colin Rigby, leader of the Conservative group, said: "Closing Waves is a policy we outlined in the budget.

"It will have to be done at some point, if there isn't a lot of investment into the centre.

"Seeing Labour getting a petition going is a sign that they are preparing for life on the opposition."

Labour came close to losing its grip on power in 2004.

Six councillors defected after a row over racism but the party kept control after they agreed to continue supporting the party.

Opposition parties tried to get the six to form a cross-party majority but failed.

Five of the six who defected are now back with Labour.