MORE than £50,000 is to be spent on a 32ft sculpture, likened to a Star Wars light sabre, as part of Blackburn's regeneration.

The Braid, as the light feature is called, is to form the centrepiece of the £1.2million Sudell Cross revamp.

Today the plan received a mixed reaction from traders. One slammed the scheme and, referring to the hit sci-fi film, said: "May the farce be with us!"

But town centre chiefs said it would form an impressive focus to the area once it had become a thriving pedestrianised plaza.

And Jono Adamson, manager of Shop at Panasonic at Sudell Cross, said: "I think it will make it look better up here and might give people another reason to come up here."

The column will be made of stainless steel and will have a number of LEDs (light emitting diodes) within braids.

The light will be placed where a Victorian lamppost used to sit and will be programmed to change colours.

The design is by Newcastle artist Simon Watkinson. He is regarded as a leader in the field of public art works using lighting and was behind major projects in Newcastle and Salford.

Today Mr Watkinson said: "I wanted to create a landmark feature for the site, and very specifically to create a light work.

"I was keen to make something which reflected the history of the area."

He said the braids in themselves were weak, but when brought together they made a stronger structure.

"This is a metaphor for different communities bound together to have presence and strength.

"I think it's quite good criticism, as it suggests it hits the mark in terms of it's not some bland thing and it has presence.

"Hopefully we can weather that storm and it will prove a success."

The Sudell Cross improvement scheme is being paid for by the North West Development Agency through the town centre renaissance programme.

Coun Colin Rigby, opposition Conservative leader, said: "What a waste of money, there's so much £50,000 could be spent on." He said the cash would have been better spent doing up shop fronts or on proper street lighting for the Cross.

In April, the pedestrianisation scheme caused controversy after it was revealed £105,200 had been spent on Chinese flags for the project. Jeff Stone, a barber in nearby Flemming Square, said the light was like Luke Skywalker's light sabre from Star Wars and added: "May the farce be with you! Come to think of it, it already is!"

The pedestrianisation of Sudell Cross is due for completion by November, and the feature should be installed next spring.

Serena Edward, owner of Richmond's restaurant, said: "It suits us as a business because when the shops close at night it Sudell Cross does not look that pleasant."

Coun Andy Kay, Blackburn with Darwen regeneration boss, said during consultation people demanded more artwork like that on show in Manchester.

He added: "It is hard to cater for everyone's taste but art starts a debate and encourages people to visit."

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