EAST Lancashire’s politicians have clashed over the impact of Preston’s £700million redevelopment.

The Tithebarn shopping scheme has been bitterly opposed by Blackburn with Darwen Council, which says it will draw shoppers out of Blackburn town centre – claims supported by the town’s MP Jack Straw.

But now Janet Anderson, who represents Darwen and Rossendale, has slammed the town hall’s “blinkered and short-sighted approach”, and backed the plans, which were given planning permission this week, to the fury of the borough’s ruling councillors.

She said: “It is clear that this development is one which people in our area want.

“It is nonsense for Blackburn with Darwen council to claim that it is not in our interests.

“We want a decent shopping centre, within easy reach, and we do not have that in Blackburn.”

She claimed council bosses had “done nothing” to bring people into the town centre, citing the rent increase for market traders and parking problems.

Ms Anderson challenged them, saying: “Instead of bleating that Preston has stolen a march on you, tell us why we cannot have a John Lewis and why you have done nothing to attract other quality retailers into Blackburn.”

The MP also demanded to know the cost to taxpayers of a survey that claimed Tithebarn would wipe millions from Blackburn’s economy and mean the loss of hundreds of jobs.

But Mr Straw said: “I am afraid Janet and I will have to disagree. We have to take account of the impact on other areas.

“Preston has been favoured in recent years for all sorts of reasons.”

Conservative councillor Alan Cottam, the council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “I don’t know why Janet Anderson has said this, maybe she’s trying to court popularity, but it’s not very helpful to be so negative.

“She doesn’t represent Blackburn, and doesn’t have responsibility for Blackburn.”