A SENIOR Darwen councillor has expressed fears the proposed new £1.3million public space on the site of the town’s former three-day market will not be big enough for major events.

Cllr Roy Davies fears it will not accommodate the 30,000 people who attend Darwen Live.

The Liberal Democrat is also concerned at the lack of public toilets in the current scheme.

He is set to raise his concerns with Blackburn with Darwen Borough regeneration boss Cllr Phil Riley when he confirms the Monday, July 16, start date for works at full council forum on Thursday.

Council Conservative leader Cllr John Slater said his group also had reservations about the scheme as currently planned.

Cllr Riley will tell the council forum: “Work will start on Darwen Market Square public realm improvements from July 16 through to the Christmas trading period.

“Eric Wright Civil Engineering have been appointed as contractors .

“Information for businesses and the public will be available with promotional activity to support the market traders and town centre businesses throughout the period. We will endeavour to keep disruption to a minimum for customers and traders.”

Darwen East ward’s Cllr Davies said: “I am concerned the proposed scheme, aimed at public events, is not big enough for major occasions. It seems too small for Darwen Live which this year attracted 30,000 people.

“I am also worried by the lack of public toilets. Officials told me people can use those in the market but that closes on Sunday, or The Bridgwater pub, which is privately-owned. This new public space needs proper public toilets.”

Cllr Riley said: “We held the most successful-ever Darwen Live in this space in May and it was big enough. The era of public toilets appears to have passed. They are difficult to maintain and suffer from anti-social behaviour and vandalism. Obviously we will fine-tune the project as it proceeds.”

Cllr Slater said: “We have some reservations about this scheme which we are examining in detail before raising them. I shall be discussing them with Darwen’s MP Jake Berry this week.”

The scheme is designed to open up views to landmarks, including the town hall, St Peter’s Church and Darwen Tower. There will be several pieces of public art created by Liam Hopkins including a focal point in a circular paved area.

There will be with additional pieces including a metal gate in front of Darwen Market loading bay and metal window designs within the units under Railway Road.