THE Bishop of Blackburn today called for a town centre drop in for drug users and alcoholics who plague the area around the cathedral.

And the Right Rev Alan Chesters said the controversial Pavilions off Church Street would be the ideal place for such a scheme.

Mr Chesters said plans to transform the Pavilions into high-class restaurants and bars was unrealistic and they would be better used as a drop in centre for people who are down on their luck.

But Blackburn with Darwen councillor Andy Kay, the man in charge of regenerating the town centre, said the pavilions, which are currently empty, should only be used for high quality commercial property use.

He said he would welcome a centre elsewhere.

And the council is already supporting a strategy aimed at helping alcoholics tackle their drinking problems, due to be launched in April.

Council bosses took over the multi-million pound revamp of Blackburn's Pavilions from the church amid concern the scheme would not get off the ground in July - more than a year after it offered to sell the diocese the three Georgian buildings for just £45,000.

Leading clergy had secured planning permission to build two glass structures in the gaps between the three Pavilions so that celebrity chef Nigel Haworth could open a restaurant on the newly-pedestrianised Church Street.

Coun Kay, executive member for regeneration, said the buildings are part of his blueprint to regenerate central Blackburn.

But Bishop Chesters said: "The Cathedral pavilions are there, they are not in use and could be developed to meet some kind of drop-in centre need.

"An imaginative, innovative approach would be to ask: "Are there any social needs?" To meet the needs of some of the people who are down on their luck, to provide shelter, would be an imaginative use of money.

"There are a number of things that could be suggested as a use of public money that meet some kind of a need."

Mr Chesters praised the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's campaign to rid the boulevard of drinkers but raised concerns over where they can go instead.

He said: "It was quite clear to me that it couldn't go on and fairly dramatic action had to be taken to bring an end to what was happening to that open space.

"But you have got to ask where these people go to?

"I think its just sad that people are so down on their luck that they have nothing else to do."

Mr Chesters also said that the buildings would not be suitable for a high-class restaurant as the view across Church Street is not attractive enough for diners.

He said: "Who would come to a restaurant there? I could see it if it was facing the Cathedral but not facing the centre."

Coun Andy Kay said: "We are seeking high quality commercial developments for the pavilions to continue the regeneration of this part of the town centre.

"We welcome any support to people in any sort of difficulty or vulnerable people. However, it is not in my remit to say where such a centre should be placed."

Coun Sue Reid, executive member for social services, said: "The issue of alcohol and street drinking is of concern and is being addressed by the multi-agency drug and alcohol team.

"The Blackburn with Darwen Drug and Alcohol Team's alcohol strategy is due to be launched in April 2003 and this will look at both enforcement of the street drinking ban and early intervention support for those who need treatment."