PADIHAM was celebrating today after being given approval for its own town council for the first time in almost 30 years.

The group will now meet monthly and Padiham will have its own mayor, who will be the chair of the council.

The victory follows years of persistence from residents and councillors in pressing for their own council.

Padiham had its own urban district council until local government reorganisation in 1974 when it became part of Burnley Borough Council.

The new council will be based on the lines of the old district council and will have five wards each with three councillors. There will be no elections in May as the 15 councillors are standing unopposed.

Long time Padiham Council campaigner Granville Lord said the move was great news for the people of Padiham.

He added: "We have spent 28 years in the doldrums since the end of the district council but thanks to the petitions and fighting spirit of the people of Padiham we have won this victory. It is fantastic news."

Once the council has been formed, Coun Lord believes it is only a matter of time before the Stonemoor Bottom area is also included. Residents there have voted to be included.

Coun Lord said it was hoped the council would remain neutral and not get bogged down with party political rows.

"We going to get on with the job and deal with things on a level playing field," he said.

The new council's responsibilities will include planning applications, allotments, public baths, burial grounds and cemeteries, provision and maintenance of bus shelters and the funding of community transport schemes.