A NEW attempt to save Darwen three-day market from demolition has failed.

Darwen residents Roy and Lynn Schofield applied to Historic England in the hope that the 1970s building could be listed.

The application was turned down by the government body because it demonstrated ‘little architectural interest or merit’ and it did not have a ‘novel or innovative structure’.

It comes after a special ‘call-in’ committee of Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors failed in its attempt in June to have the demolition decision reversed.

Mrs Schofield said: “I expected the rejection but it was a worth a try.

“I’ve worked hard to try to save the market, I wanted to make the council realise that what it means to the community. I wanted to preserve it because it’s a piece of brutalist architecture you don’t see much of in Britain.

“I don’t know what else I can do now. I just hope that traders moving into the annexe will help keep Darwen on the map and that council realises what improvements need to be made to the six-day market.”

The three-day market building was deemed ‘fundamentally obsolete’ in February in a report Cllr Phil Riley, cabinet member for regeneration on Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The report detailed a drop in footfall and a 40 per cent vacancy rate.

Three-day traders are now gradually moving into the adjoining annexe building and all are expected to have moved by the end of next month.

Historic England said in a report following the application: “This covered market is not recommended for listing.While the concrete fascia and ceiling convey some character, this building demonstrates little architectural interest in a national context, in its design, use of materials or finishes.

“The use of a concrete structure in a 1970s context is neither novel nor innovative.

“The structure displays little artistic merit and compares unfavourably to examples such as Huddersfield’s Grade II listed Queensgate Market.”

Cllr John Roberts, borough and town councillor, said: “I am pleased that the government recognises our view and the opinion of many local people that this building is an eyesore in an area of Darwen that has great heritage value.”