COUNCILLORS have hit out at the Prime Minister for snubbing an invite to come to Pendle and see its problems.

Downing Street sent a letter to Pendle Council declining the invitation, sent in August, stating that "Mr Brown's existing diary commitments make it impossible for him to accept."

Councillors sent an invitation to Gordon Brown to see for himself the work being done to tackle deprivation, reduce crime, create jobs, strengthen the economy, increase social cohesion, and improve leisure activities and housing conditions in Pendle.

They wanted to highlight the effect of investment into homes and the catastrophic' consequences should the funding dry up.

Coun David Whipp said the visit by Gordon Brown would benefit Pendle residents by getting them more than just crumbs' when the government undertakes it's three yearly spending review later in the year.

Coun Whipp said: "We are not asking him to come next week or even next month.

We are willing to wait until his diary has a slot."