The Great Barn at Gawthorpe, part of which may face demolition.

A Burnley FC plan to spend more than £20,000 on much-needed changing facilities at their Gawthorpe training ground is worrying some local conservationists. For the plan would involve the demolition of part of the Gawthorpe Great Barn, an 11th century building listed of architectural and historic interest. But Burnley FC chairman Mr Bob Lord says the building is in a dangerous condition. It would cost more than £12,000 to implement the club's existing plan but even more to make the building safe. He said: "The woodwork is completely rotten. It's so dangerous we daren't let the players go in there to change now." He added that because of the barn's condition, the footballers were at present having to change at Turf Moor and make the long trip to Gawthorpe and back twice each day.

Because the building is listed, the football club needs council permission to alter or demolish it. The club sent in an application last week in which it is proposed that a section of the barn should be demolished and the remaining section re-roofed. Local conservationist Mr Ralph Cross of Carlton road, Burnley told the Express: "This would mean the loss of the barn's main feature, the fine king-post roof. With the farm buildings, and Gawthorpe Hall itself, the barn forms part of a unique collection of buildings ideal for making into a conservation area. There are other buildings like this in the district, but this is the biggest and a very good example of the traditional barn with aisles. It would be a great pity if we lost it." Mr Ken Spencer, secretary of Burnley and District Civic Trust added: "It seems a pity if European Architectural Heritage Year in Burnley is going to begin with the demolition of a building like this." Notice of the plan has to be sent to various bodies, including the Royal Commission of Historical Buildings, the Civic Trust, Burnley and District Historical Society and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.