A DISAGREEMENT in the Tory group on Pendle Council, which led to the suspension of a senior councillor from the group, appears to be on the verge of being resolved.

Councillor Shelagh Derwent had the Tory whip withdrawn from her after going against the rest of her group over funding for a tourism officer.

The long-serving Pendle and county councillor upset her colleagues by seconding a Liberal Democrat motion during the full council meeting in November to appoint the tourism post from the current budget rather than backing a Tory call to wait until the new financial year in April.

Coun Derwent was suspended following the meeting.

Coun Derwent and Tory group leader Roy Clarkson were staying tight-lipped about the matter today.

But talks are believed to be going on behind the scenes and official confirmation that Coun Derwent's suspension has been lifted is expected shortly.

Coun Derwent took over the Pendle West seat in 1989.

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