AN opposition councillor was asked to show the "colour of his money" after he offered Burnley £500 to renew its links with a naval ship!

Coun Gordon Birtwistle made the gesture because he said fellow councillors had not backed his call to reinstate links similar to those which for many years were in place with HMS Active.

He said: "It was good promotion for Burnley businesses.

"Schools had education links with the ship and would follow its progress around the world. "And there was a good youth policy with the sea cadets going to the ship.

"I believe it was wrong for the council not to readopt a ship."

Finance chairman Coun Peter Kenyon said the decision had not been a definite 'no'; it would be considered for the next budget.

He said: "This resolution means the matter will be further discussed.

"Perhaps Coun Birtwistle should spend his money on learning to better understanding minutes of council meetings.

"A promisery note of his offer of cash would help to achieve his objective. Can we see the colour of his money?"

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