A DERELICT Blackburn landmark built in 1765 may be demolished after an arson attack left it a danger to the public.

The owners of the former King's Head Inn, in King Street, have applied for permission to the council to have the listed building demolished because it is unsafe.

The demise of the building comes as almost £1million is to be invested to regenerate King Street.

The former pub was ravaged by fire on Sunday, April 20, which destroyed the roof and rooms on the ground and first-floors.

Fire chiefs said it was likely the blaze was started by youngsters and that the building was insecure at the back.

The tavern, which is now fenced off, was built by John Ainsworth in the mid-18th century.

In the 1800s it was visited regularly by bleachers from Heapey, Brinscall and Chorley and was also the residence of the eccentric 'Dicky' Hacking, who built Blackburn Town Hall.

Richard Prest, chairman of the Civic Society, said: "Public safety has got to be the prime issue. It's sad to see it go. If it's unsafe, which the building control people say it is, then it has to be demolished on public safety grounds.

"What we as a society would like to see is a new high quality building of some architectural design.

"It would be wrong to replicate the old building."

Mr Prest said Doug Chadwick, vice-chair of the Civic Society, is a co-owner of the building.

Steve Hoyle, assistant director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods for the council, said: "Council officers went to the building early in the evening following the fire and arranged for the site to be fenced off.

"The condition of the building is now very poor and there are serious concerns for public safety.

"We have met with the owner and he is in discussions with us regarding the future of the former public house, which could include demolition."

Coun Ronnie O'Keeffe Snr, who lived in the King Street area for 30 years, said: "I will be sad if it's demolished and it will be a sad day for Blackburn. We don't have enough buildings of heritage remaining in Blackburn. We seem to have destroyed quite a number of them.

"My father used to drink in the King's Head and it was a famous spot for residents of that area.

"It's been neglected for so long and it shouldn't have been."

Coun Andy Kay, executive member of regeneration, said: "I would have preferred the building to have been restored. However, we do not know what condition it is in following the fire, so it is too soon for us to say which option we will support."

Almost £1million is to be invested to regenerate King Street after plans were unveiled in December, with cash coming from European funds and the North West Development Agency.

King Street is part of Blackburn's heritage corridor, which runs through Fleming Square to Church Street and Blackburn Cathedral.