COUNCILLORS have rejected a proposal to re-display a piece of artwork described as an important part of Burnley’s heritage.

Plans to re-site the former Thomspon Centre frieze in Trafalgar Street have been rejected because of the cost to the council.

The artwork, which depicts a variety of sports over a series of panels, has been stored by local businessman and owner of Crow Wood Leisure Centre Andrew Brown since 2006.

It was formely mounted on the Thompson Centre, which was demolished to make way for St Peter’s health and leisure centre.

The council have tried to work with Mr Brown to find a new public home the frieze, but have previously balked at the £100,000 cost to re-site it.

A spokesman for the council said: “It has become clear that, despite the offer of external funding to re-site the frieze, some of the cost would also fall on Burnley Council.

“In these times of austerity and budget cuts it was not felt appropriate.”

Councillor Margaret Lishman, the council’s executive member responsible for finances, said: “We understand some people will be disappointed that we are not able to proceed with finding a new home for the frieze. People will also understand that we are facing challenging times.

“At the same executive meeting councillors discussed cuts of £3 million, and the impact of Government calls to find savings on important programmes already running in our communities.

“In this context the council couldn’t, in all fairness, make the funding of the frieze project a priority.

“Councillors recognised that the frieze is a unique piece of architectural sculpture and part of the town’s heritage.”

Mr Brown was unavailable for comment.