A BREAKAWAY from Lancashire County Council could be on the cards for East Lancashire's borough councils.

Pendle Council wants to quit Lancashire County Council and create a rival East Lancashire unitary authority following concerns that East Lancashire issues are being ignored by the 'Preston-focused' county council.

Pendle Cllr Paul White, who is a former county councillor and the deputy leader of the borough's Conservative Party, proposed the motion at Pendle's special budget meeting on Thursday, which was approved by the committee.

Cllr White said: “I’m delighted our plan to look at this was supported by all parties in Pendle. It would mean less bureaucracy and a louder voice for Pendle when it comes to things like economic development.

"There will now be a dialogue with other councils in East Lancashire to see whether there is an appetite for them to break away with us but the early indications are that there is support out there."

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, who is leader of Pendle Council, said: "It's a work in progress but hopefully in the next few months we will have discussions with other council leaders about this.

"I think it needs to include at least three or four boroughs. If it's a Pennine footprint it could include Rossendale, Burnley, Pendle and Blackburn with Darwen."

Council leaders from East Lancashire were asked about their views on the Pendle proposal.

Burnley council leader Mark Townsend said he would give the idea serious consideration.

He said: "I think the county council is too diverse and there are major economic differences between the west, centre and the east.

"A unitary authority would provide better services for our residents and better economic policies going forward but obviously there would be a lot of other things to look at."

Hyndburn council leader Miles Parkinson said he would be quite happy to look at all alternatives to the current system.

He said: "We do not want to be left behind on the branch line and getting the crumbs from County Hall."

Cllr Mohammed Khan, the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, which itself is a small unitary authority, said the idea was a good way forward for East Lancashire and was pleased that Pendle had put some thought into it.

Ribble Valley council leader Ken Hind said: "I'm aware of it and it will be discussed by Ribble Valley Council based upon any approaches made to us by the other councils involved."

Rossendale council leader Alyson Barnes was unable to comment.

Cllr Geoff Driver, leader of Lancashire County Council, was contacted but unavailable to comment.