LEISURE facilities in Darwen will be the envy of other towns within two years, council bosses believe.

The plans for rebuilding the centre over two sites have proved controversial.

But Coun John Milburn, executive member for leisure and culture at Blackburn with Darwen Council, has spoken out to defend the scheme.

He said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to bring 21st century facilities to Darwen.

"The cost of refurb-ishing the old centre was more than building a new leisure centre and we have to invest in facilities which can be enjoyed by generations to come."

The council is spending £9million re-building Darwen Leisure Centre, creating an eight-lane competition-sized pool, gym and aerobics studio.

In addition an extra £1.5million is being spent building a sports hall at Darwen Vale High School.

Many people in Darwen have been left unhappy at the split-site plan.

But the council still believes people in the town are 'overwhelmingly' in favour of it.