ACCRINGTON STANLEY have delivered a huge snub to Hyndburn Council after refusing to accept the freedom of the borough.

The club and chairman Eric Whalley were to receive the highest civic honour the council can bestow later this month in recognition of getting promotion back to the Football League.

But following a series of rows with councillors which have left club bosses feeling Hyndburn Council shows them no support, they have rejected the award.

The freedom of the borough of Hyndburn has only ever been granted 10 times, including The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, in memory of the Accrington Pals, and other individuals in honour of outstanding community work.

Chairman Eric Whalley, who was also to be made a freeman of the borough, has been branded "childish" by a leading councillor over the decision to snub the awards.

The club were also criticised by local historian Bill Turner, himself a freeman of the borough, who said the award should have been "treasured" by the club.

And Hyndburn MP Greg Pope urged both sides to sort out their differences.

Arguments have flared after talks on a new stadium between council leader Peter Britcliffe and the club broke down.

It is understood that the main row was over who would profit from the sale of the land holding Stanley's current Fraser Eagle Stadium in Livingstone Road.

The ground is owned by the council and could be worth up to £5million if bought by a residential developer.

But Stanley have a 25-year lease on the ground and are believed to have demanded a share of the profits.

Following the discussions, Mr Whalley this week spoke to the Lancashire Telegraph and branded the council "unsupportive".

He claimed dealing with them was like "banging your head against a brick wall".

Mr Whalley confirmed that he has turned down the freedom of the borough, but refused to comment further.

He only said: "You can come to your own conclusions after what I said last week about the council."

The club's chief executive Rob Heys said he did not want to talk about the issue, except to say: "The civic reception that we received from Hyndburn Council last year were fantastic but we feel that now we just want to concentrate on staying in the Football League."

Coun Britcliffe said he was disappointed by the decision.

He said: "The council was anxious to recognise Accrington Stanley's achievements and the offer of the freedom of the borough remains open.

"It may be that at some point in the future Eric and the club feel they are in a position to accept the honour.

"I think Accrington Stanley have achieved so much.

"Their success has been wonderful for the town."

Opposition Labour group leader in Hyndburn Coun Graham Jones said: "There seems to have been a row over the discussions for a new ground. It is so childish.

"Freedom of the borough is a huge honour and I'm sure that a lot of people in Hyndburn, especially the fans will be really disappointed by this.

"What is important is that we all get round a table and continue sensible discussions to take these plans for a new stadium forward."

Mr Turner, who was awarded the freedom of the borough in 2002, said: "I am very proud to be an honourary freeman and I am very sad to hear about this.

"There is no greater reward that the borough can give and it is something that should have been treasured by the club."

Mr Pope said he wanted to urge the leader of the Tory council to overcome the difficulties and return to negotiations.

He said: "It is shocking that the issue has been handled so badly."