THE newest member of a group set up to look after a Darwen park has been suspended, just days after joining.

Darwen town councillor John East, who is also chairman of the Friends of Darwen Cemetery, had his membership of the Whitehall Park Supporters Group revoked after four days.

Coun East had joined the group at its recent annual general meeting, but was sent a letter by group vice-chairman Austin Molloy suspending him for comments he made at the meeting.

Coun East had gone to the meeting at the request of Darwen Town Council to check on the progress of group projects, one of which had received £4,800 in the form of a town council grant 18 months ago.

During the meeting, Coun East explained a town council parks sub-committee had discussed the possibility of legal action if details of the proposed project - to install new gates at the top of the park - were not received.

Details have since been sent by the Whitehall Park Supporters Group.

The letter said that after discussing Coun East’s claims with town council parks committee chairman Coun Dave Smith, the group felt he had ‘got over excited and carried away’.

Signed by Mr Molloy, the letter said: “We now have difficulty in believing that you would act in the best interests of the group.

“We have no choice at this juncture but to suspend your membership until a committee meeting can be convened in the New Year where you will be able to present your case.”

Coun East said: “I am disappointed at this reaction.

“I really love and appreciate Whitehall Park and have encouraged many youngsters to enjoy the facilities there over the years.

“Legal action was only mentioned tentatively as we hadn’t received any breakdown of the plans fof the gates, but we have now so there is no problem there.”