Council pledge after 'tidy up our landmarks' plea

4:22pm Sunday 9th December 2007

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LANDMARKS of Darwen's industrial past are becoming shabby and giving a poor impression of the town, according to residents.

The steam engine and paper compression machine in Bolton Road near India Mill Business Centre were erected by the India Mill as a reminder of the area's heritage company shortly after the mill closed in the early 1990s.

They are now falling into a state of disrepair, covered in rust, dirt and hundreds of cigarette ends.

The Lancashire Telegraph's We're Backing Darwen campaign is calling for more effort to be put into improving the look of the town - and Blackburn with Darwen Council has now pledged to tidy up the landmarks.

and passer-by Michael Firth branded the state of the landmarks as disgusting'.

The former council worker from Cross Barn, said: "It's neglected heritage.

"We've got street furniture, so let's be seen to look after it.

"It's welcoming people to a supposedly prestigious market town but all the time being reminiscent of dark satanic mills and neglect."

Ann Lightburn, of Stanley Drive, Darwen, said: "They definately are neglected. They haven't been painted since they put them up."

Speaking about the steam engine, in Bolton Road, Roger Southam, chief executive of India Mill Business Centre, said: "I've admired it every time I've passed without ever giving thought to whose responsibility it is.

"The India Mill Company which erected it was an old company who have been lost in the midst of time."

But assistant surveyor at India Mill, George Copeman, said: "I can confirm that it is not the responsibility of India Mill to maintain this landmark. This falls under the council's responsibility."

Coun Dave Smith who represents the Sunnyhurst ward, said: "I reported them last year but I'm not sure anything's been done about it.

"They form part of the Darwen Industrial Trail that starts at Darwen Vale School, and they do need a bit of TLC."

Coun Roy Davies, who used to walk past the landmarks every day on his way to work, said: "They are an integral part of Darwen's history, but if they were stripped down and repainted - which they do deserve - people would ask why the counci is spending money on them when there are other, more pressing concerns.

Coun Alan Cottam, executive member for regeneration for the council said: "This artwork is of great significance to the people of Darwen and visitors to the town.

"The condition of the artwork has already been noted by council officers and we are looking to rectify the situation during the next financial year."