PROPOSALS for a revolutionary £4 million centre to house new civic offices has been attacked as "appalling extravagance" by the leader of the Tory Group on Hyndburn Council.

The borough is bidding for European cash to develop a low-energy office building which would be a new base for the council offices currently in Eagle Street, Accrington.

If successful, the project would also be financed by money raised from the Arndale Centre sell-off and other partners the council has attracted.

Coun Peter Britcliffe said: "The public will be appalled that a council which would have us believe they are so cash-strapped they are almost ready for busking, propose to spend money of this magnitude on new offices.

"After only four years at Eagle Street even the thought of new offices is extravagant." Councillor Britcliffe added: "The council says there is no money for essential repairs for housing, for play areas and other things, but we are going to have new offices.

"Is it any wonder the public hold politicians in low esteem?"

Labour Council leader George Slynn said the low-energy building would produce significant savings for council taxpayers, cutting the council's fuel costs and saving money currently spent on rent for the Eagle Street offices.

Councillor Britcliffe said: "Is the Labour-controlled council saying they are managing the borough so badly they did not check on these things before they moved into Eagle Street?"

Director of development services Nigel Rix said the current offices were built as a government training centre.

High occupation costs could be significantly reduced by moving into a more energy-efficient building.

He said the move would achieve savings of around £70,000 per year even after taking into account lost income the council would have received from the Arndale.

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