A DARWEN councillor has voiced concerns that older people could be left out when the town's new-look leisure centre is built.

Coun Karimeh Foster said it was vital that space be found for all the activities which currently take place at the centre.

A £9million plan to pull down the complex was unveiled last month.

The new venue would include a swimming pool twice the size of the existing one, along with a gym and aerobics studio.

But no decision has been made on whether a sports hall would remain on the site.

One option is to build a new one at Darwen Vale High School, while some community actitivities would be allowed inside the new Darwen Academy.

But Coun Foster, a Lib Dem councillor, said: "The swimming pool is not the only thing people use the leisure centre for.

"The sports hall is used by a lot of older people for events such as bowls, and they can't be left out.

"A lot of people are concerned that we are losing a leisure centre and gaining only a swimming pool."

Coun Kate Hollern, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "A consultation is ongoing.

"No-one will be worse off as a result but there will be disruption as building work takes place."