A £3.5MILLION canalside office complex is to go ahead in Blackburn, despite concerns that a planning condition could leave it as a target for vandals.

Twin Valley Homes was given planning permission for its two-storey office block on the banks of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. But a condition has been included in the permission which means the firm must provide 24 hour access from the road at Eanam to a newly-created stretch of towpath, which will link up to a footbridge closer to the town centre.

Twin Valley had objected to the condition, saying keeping their site open at night would make it prone to vandals.

However, the council has agreed to review the condition 12 months after the building has opened.

Kevin Ruth, director of resources at Twin Valley Homes, said: "The design of the building has been very much focused on representing an appearance which is consistent with the canalside location and includes a considerable element of glass frontage.

"To have this accessible when the building is vacant represents too great a security risk and potential liability in terms of broken glass."

But Coun Andy Kay, in charge of regeneration, said: "The canal will play an important part in our regeneration plans. To have it open on both sides at all times is very important but we have agreed that we will review it in 12 months."