A BLACKBURN councillor has vowed to clear his name after a complaint was made about him to a council chief executive.

Coun Salim Lorgat denied claims he had been abusive to members of a community association.

A complaints has been made to Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council chief executive Graham Burgess, who has launched an investigation.

Ivy Street Community Association members met Coun Lorgat, a Liberal Democrat who represents Audley, to discuss the progress of improvement works in the Infirmary area.

In a letter to Mr Burgess, the association claimed that Coun Lorgat "talked over" an elderly resident and became "abusive and argumentative".

Association secretary Sarah Brown said: "We feel that his behaviour should be reprimanded as the people of Blackburn with Darwen should not have to take this kind of abuse from a councillor."

But Coun Lorgat denied being abusive at the Ivy Street meeting and said his remarks have been taken out of context.

He said he had worked hard for the people of Infirmary Waterside, in helping to secure the future of vital regeneration work on the estate.

Coun Lorgat said: "I went there to try and explain about housing market renewal matters but there were local councillors there and the meeting became very politicised.

"I told them that I couldn't answer certain questions about their area because I did not have any prior information about it and they should address their questions to their own ward councillors."

He said he had attended a number of other similar meetings, which had also involved "passionate views" being exchanged, which have not led to problems.

Mr Burgess, who has discussed the complaint with Coun Lorgat, said: "These matters are being looked into and as such it is too early to comment."

Coun Colin Rigby, who leads the ruling coalition of Lib Dems, Conservatives and For Darwen parties, said he had asked for more information about the complaint before it was investigated further.