A 50-STRONG group of protesters walked out of Rossendale Council meeting last night after a man was removed by police.

The group were at the full council meeting, at the Astoria Ballroom in Rawtenstall, to protest about plans to introduce parking charges and residents-only spaces in various parts of the town.

A petition opposing the plans, with 5,383 signatures, was handed to Mayor Coun Eileen Kershaw and council leader Coun David Hancock responded to several written questions and told the meeting the council was "in the middle of a consultation"

But when the meeting continued, the Mayor asked police to remove a former councillor who was shouting from the public seating area.

But former Labour councillor Noel O'Brien shouted: "On a point of order, Coun Hancock is misleading the public by saying no decision has been made.

"The decision is that we will have paid parking and there has been no consultation.

"I'm not frightened by a police officer."

Mr O'Brien's comments attracted applause from the crowd and as he was led away the residents and traders also left the room in protest.

Speaking after the meeting, Coun Kershaw said: "I asked for Mr O'Brien to be removed because I wasn't going to have the meeting disrupted.

"I think its a shame that the other people left because they missed some constructive debate and I think those who did stay would feel that they learnt something."

A public meeting to discuss the issues will be held at the Astoria Ballroom at 7pm tonight.

Comments on the proposals must be submitted to the council by April 8.