TALKS are being held to investigate the possibility of setting up a Racial Equality "super council" for East Lancashire to cover Burnley, Pendle, Hyndburn, Rossendale and the Ribble Valley.

It stems from the decision six months ago to withdraw funding from the Burnley and Pendle REC following in-fighting, mass resignations and the refusal to alter its constitution and make-up.

Burnley and Pendle REC continues to exist on a voluntary basis providing a service for two hours each morning.

That was not acceptable to either the local authorities or to the Commission for Racial Equality, Burnley Council general purposes committee was told last night.

Various options had been considered and the recommendation made to explore the possibility of forming a REC to cover the five districts.

"It is purely on an exploratory basis at this stage,'' Ian Monteath, head of the corporate policy unit, told the meeting. When Coun Mohammed Suban tried to talk about reasons for the withdrawal of funds from the Burnley and Pendle REC he was stopped by chairman Coun Edward Fisk who said they did not want to into that again but to look to the future and make sure they got it right next time.

Independent Coun Harry Brooks said not allowing him to speak on the background was a shocking restriction.

The committee agreed to the exploratory talks.

Coun Tony Harrison commented: "It seems an interesting way forward with local authorities already working together in other areas.''

Coun Marcus Johnstone said more services now had to be considered on an East Lancashire-wide basis.

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