OPPONENTS of plans for the re-development of Darwen leisure centre can have their say at a public meeting.

The meeting, next Monday, has been called by Blackburn with Darwen Council after complaints over a lack of consultation about a split site.

The council said the meeting was necessary to dispel myths about plans and reassure the public.

Concerns grew after a decision was in August to build a £9million leisure centre, with a competition-sized pool, gym and aerobics studio, comple-mented by a sports hall nearly two miles away at Vale High School.

The complex, to replace the outdated centre, which is in urgent need of repair, is due to be completed in 2008 and the old building is due to close within a few months.

Protesters said the year-long closure of the centre, to allow for work to be carried out, would mean users would have to travel out of the area for leisure services.

Now they are threatening legal action against the council and want a judicial review.

Campaigners put forward a petition of 300 names last month but were told it was too late for it to be considered.

Coun John Milburn, Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for leisure and culture urged everyone to attend the meeting.

He said: "I hope the meeting will tackle head on many of the myths surrounding the development.

"There is a view we are somehow reducing leisure facilities available in Darwen, when that is clearly not the case. The development is fantastic news for Darwen."

The meeting starts at 6.30pm in the Tower Room at the leisure centre.