SUDELL councillor Paul Browne has demanded the borough take a more active approach to promoting Darwen town centre.

At the recent council forum, the veteran Liberal Democrat reacted angrily to an item praising the success of the Blackburn Beach promotion in Town Hall Square. Regeneration boss Maureen Bateson said the summer event had brought ‘extra vitality and family entertainment’ to the town’s main shopping area.

Coun Browne said: “Why do we spend all this money and time promoting Blackburn town centre and not do the same for Darwen? We have two town centres in this borough and they deserve equal treatment.”

Coun Bateson said Blackburn with Darwen Council did do a lot to promote both as key parts of the borough’s retail and tourist attractions.