TORY councillors have called for Blackburn's Waves water centre to be closed and vowed to sell it to developers if they win May's election.

They said Blackburn with Darwen Council would be better off providing space for one of the many large stores believed to be looking at sites in the town centre.

The move would leave swimmers relying on pools at the town's Shadsworth and Daisyfield leisure centres and private leisure facilities.

Today, the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council blasted the idea and vowed that Labour would win the election for the sake of Waves and the people that used it.

The centre, off Nab Lane, attracts around 200,000 visitors a year but costs the council £250,000 to maintain.

Details of the Tories' plan are detailed in their alternative budget.

Coun Michael Lee, opposition spokesman for finance, said: "There are several new private ventures opening around the town which we think will harm the viability of what are now ageing buildings.

"Waves is one building we would cite for closure due to its idyllic town centre location, although the Regency Gym within it would need to be relocated as this is a profitable part of the leisure services department.

"This would save £250,000 a year and allow better use of the site, especially with the proposed multi-storey car park next door.

"One option would be to offer the land to the college to help enhance the opportunity for university status, or to enhance the town centre.

"If we do not close Waves it will happen at some time in the future since its usage will diminish as was the case in Bolton."

Bolton's water centre, called The Water Place, opened two years after Waves - in 1988 - but closed in 2003 as people instead turned to other centres.

According to figures, only Oswaldtwistle Mills attracts more visitors in East Lancashire and council leader Coun Kate Hollern said: "This is cast-iron proof of why the Tories would be bad for Blackburn with Darwen.

"Waves doesn't just provide a tourist destination, it holds thousands of swimming lessons a year.

"In the summer, thousands of young people enjoy free swimming there. It's a way of keeping them safe in the summer which in turn reduces pressure on other resources."

Waves opened its doors in 1986 and cost £3.5million to build. It was funded through a Government regeneration project.

It incorporates a Bondi Waves machine and a 210ft spiralling flume and has a constant temperature of 84F.