A BRONZE spiral seat is set to be the focal point a new town centre square being created in Blackburn.

The specially commissioned 'public art' will be inscribed with a poem written about Fleming Square, which used to be the focal point for Blackburn's trading in the 1800s.

Council bosses helped fund a restoration project at the Exchange Arcade, which sits to the side of Fleming Square, last year. Since then, they have begun work on a £400,000 environmental scheme which will recreate the pedestrianised square which used to house Blackburn's first market in the Victorian era.

A line of plane trees has been retained and forms the base for the art feature. The bronze piece, which incorporates a poem by Julia Copus, will spiral around the trees, creating seats under their shade and 'enticing viewers to interact with the artwork' said artist Stephen Broadbent.

The new-look square replaced what was a small pay-and-display car park. Councillors have also approved for the road which used to run through Fleming Square, a rat run for people going from Mincing Lane to Darwen Street, to be sealed off. A walled garden will be created, screened on one side by feature railings with a fish motif to reflect the old market.

Councillors today said the £400,000 project would compliment the historic buildings around Fleming Square by providing an attractive and user friendly outside space.

The improvements also involve new planting, paving and lighting. Parking facilities for shoppers are being improved and a new boundary wall has been built. The works are scheduled to be complete by the end of September.