A SENIOR councillor has sparked a row by claiming Darwen’s three-day market building faces demolition within three years because of ‘concrete cancer’.

Tony Melia, deputy leader at Blackburn with Darwen, said he had seen a report stating that the 1975 building had been ravaged by rainwater and was “coming to the end of its lifespan”.

But the For Darwen Party leader has been accused of “scaremongering” by rivals who say traders will be worried.

Council bosses insist there are “no structural issues” with the building.

For Darwen claimed in its election leaflets that the market could be rebuilt featuring a planetarium in the roof space.

Coun Melia said: “The steel reinforcements in the centre of the concrete are rusting, and as they rust they expand so bits of the concrete drop off.”

He said the building was not in immediate danger of collapse, but added: “We do need to start looking at redevelopment.”

But Tory town councillor and market trader Brenda Cron-shaw said: “People have been saying this for 20 years and I would like proof that the building is in this state. It’s just scaremongering and helps no-one.”

Marsh House Lib Dem Simon Huggill accused his fellow coalition partner of causing “enormous concern” among traders.

He added: “Speaking as a former engineer, any reinforced concrete building more than 30 years old will have what people call concrete cancer.

“However, there are modern techniques to fix the problem. You can use electrolysis to stop it happening and if there is any crumbling concrete, you can remove it and recast it back in.”

Adam Scott, Blackburn with Darwen strategic director of regeneration and environ-ment, said: “Our long-term aspiration for Darwen market is to fully redevelop it and this is featured in the Darwen town centre mast-erplan.

“The new perimeter shops, which are due to be completed soon, will improve access to the market hall and attract new visitors.

“The market building may be old but there are no structural issues with it.”