CALLS are growing for a memorial to Tommy Ball - but council bosses are cool on the idea.

The pioneering shoe king died on Sunday on the Isle of Man, aged 83.

Tributes to Mr Ball have poured in, with well-wishers leaving messages on the Lancashire Telegraph website voicing their sadness at the news.

And many have called for a statue, or plaque, to be erected in Blackburn.

Council leader Colin Rigby said he would not be against the idea, but said it was important to "draw the line" with tributes.

He said: "I wouldn't have an objection to it, but we certainly would need to find the right place so it means something to people.

"But I am a realist and I say just remember the guy for what he was, and what he did for the town, and leave it at that."

Paying tribute to Mr Ball, who sold his business in 1986 and retired to the Isle of Man, Coun Rigby added: "He was a popular man, and a very generous man with his money.

"I am told he was an excellent host and an excellent companion if you happened to come across him in the pub.

"He brought a lot of business into Blackburn and created a little empire of his own."

Maralyn Rigby, who now owns Tommy Ball's with her husband Paul, worked for Mr Ball 30 years ago.

The 56-year-old said: "There should be either a plaque or a statue of him, possibly a bronze sculpture of a pair of his shoes.

"We have got so many statues that don't mean anything to anyone, so why not one of Tommy?

"They spend all this money on silly abstract lumps of metal that I think are an eyesore.

"Think of all the money he brought into Blackburn.

"Tommy never got on with the council. I think that's what it is.

"We should definitely commemorate him in some way."

Mr Ball set up the company in the 1950s.

In its heyday the firm was well known throughout the country and attracted coach parties of shoppers.