THE battle is hotting up over who will take control of Burnley Council.

Labour lost overall control of the authority in last week's local elections and meetings between the main parties have been going on behind the scenes to discuss how many places each should be given on the executive committee, the council's main decision-making body.

All nine places are currently held by Labour councillors and the group is hoping to keep it that way.

Former BNP councillor Maureen Stowe's decision to join the Labour Party bolstered its representation in the chamber to 22, one less than the total opposition.

The Labour Group had also persuaded independent councillor Sam Holgate to support its bid to hold onto power.

But the Rosegrove with Lowerhouse ward councillor then changed his mind.

In a letter to the Labour Group he said: "It has been a very hard decision, but I am going to stay independent.

"I think it would be better for the town if there were opposition on the executive committee, rather than it being all Labour.

"All I want to do is vote the way I want, not the way you the Labour Group want."

He added: "I know it might be a kick in the teeth for you, but it is the town I am thinking of. I am glad I have had time to think about it and I am making the right decision."

Liberal Democrat leader, Coun Gordon Birtwistle, said if no agreement could be reached with the Labour Group ahead of a meeting of the full council next Thursday his group, the Conservatives and the independent councillors would all be voting against an all-Labour executive.

He said: "It will come down to how many councillors we can get in the chamber for the vote and how may the Labour Group can. Both sides will be pressing to get as many people there as possible."

Coun Birtwistle is forming alternative proposals for a ruling executive made up of all the opposition groups apart from the BNP.