THE consultation on a controversial spending review that could close two swimming pools has got the go-ahead.

Blackburn with Darwen’s full council forum approved the move after a heated debate on Thursday night.

Under the review, Shadsworth Leisure Centre and Daisyfield Pools will shut next year unless someone steps covers the £730,000-a-year costs.

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Borough recreation boss Damian Talbot today appealed for organisations interested in running them to come forward.

The debate centred around Shadsworth Leisure Centre – which the previous Conservative-led coalition proposed to shut in 2010 before Labour took control and saved it.

Tory leader Mike Lee said: “These proposals look suspiciously similar to the ones we put forward in 2010.

“The business case is excellent and the same as we put forward five years ago.

“Labour should have bitten the bullet then.”

Shadsworth councillor Jim Shorrock, who with Labour ward colleagues Tony Humphrys and Ron O’Keeffe voted to start the process, blamed the government for the need to close centres.

He said: “ Five years ago I stood up in this very chamber to ensure that the constituents of Shadsworth with Whitebirk had a voice.

“After much debate and a wresting of power from the then coalition, who were intent on its closure, the leisure centre was given a reprieve.

“Five years down the line what’s changed?

“Quite simply the swingeing policies of central government.”

As Cllr Talbot blamed government grants cuts, he was interrupted by senior Tory Jackie Slater shouting: “You should hang your head in shame.”

Cllr Talbot, who learned to swim at Daisyfield, urged people to take part in a month-long consultation on the council website, by letter or at public meetings.

Cllr Talbot said: “ Swimming pools are popular and important for both leisure and health.

“That’s why it’s so important that we get as much information and feedback as possible from people and organisations and exhaust all options before we made final decision.

“We know are options are limited though that won’t stop us from taking everything that is suggested seriously .”

He criticised the Tory councillors and LibDem Paul Browne for abstaining on “a proper consultation exercise unlike five years ago”.