IT'S true that as it reaches its 20th birthday, Blackburn's Waves water centre is beginning to show its age.

The annual cost of keeping the building up to scratch will also grow and private sports centres opening across East Lancashire are competing for custom.

But Waves does attract a staggering 200,000 visitors a year more than any other place in the area apart from Oswaldtwistle Mills.

And although the truly dedicated will maintain that conventional baths like Shadsworth and Daisyfield offer better exercise opportunities for serious swimmers, Waves performs a vital role in introducing youngsters to water and encouraging people of all ages to learn to stay afloat.

One reason why Waves is so popular is its handy location in the town centre. Mums and dads, for example, can go shopping while their children splash about.

With all that in mind, it's surprising that the Conservatives should propose to knock it down and sell off the site for development.

There could be room to increase charges in order to help meet the cost of keeping Waves afloat.

But to be attractive, town centres need a variety of attractions not just shops and offices.