A BOROUGH'S lone Liberal Democrat councillor is standing down - for the second time.

Darwen East's Cllr Paul Browne says on this occasion his retirement is for good.

In 2016, the 80-year-old quit Blackburn with Darwen politics after 43 years as a councillor but in 2019 he made a comeback.

Now the former LibDem group leader and borough leisure and culture boss has decided against standing for the borough council again.

He will serve out his term as a Darwen Town Council member until its elections next year.

Cllr Browne received a long-service award from Blackburn with Darwen Council in October 2016.

His ward will be contested for the LibDems by Mark Davies - son of the late long-serving councillor Roy.

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Cllr Phil Riley praised Cllr Brown's 'effervescence' and dubbed him the 'Peter Pan of Darwen East' at the borough's final Council Forum meeting before May's local elections.

He added: "Congratulations Paul on your long, long service to the people of Darwen East and Darwen and please have a good retirement."

Tory group leader Cllr John Slater said: "Cllr Browne will be sorely missed in this chamber for his experience and his knowledge."

Cllr Browne started off representing the North East ward and continued his service when it became the Sudell ward.

The Liberal Democrat, who lives in Greenway Street, has one daughter Jane, and two grandsons and a great granddaughter. He lost his wife Ruth four years ago.

Retired TV aerial engineer Cllr Browne said: "I am 80-years old and I think I have done my bit.

"It is for good this time.

"I have enjoyed every minute of it - particularly the banter in the council chamber and in committees.

"One thing I shan't miss is every time I go to the pub being tapped on the shoulder and asked to sort something.

"I used to take a pen and paper every time I went out.

"My family live down south in Hampshire and Wiltshire. I shall have more time now to go and visit them, "I have always made clear that I am a Darwen councillor not a Blackburn one.

"We have a full slate of LibDem candidates in the town this year and three in Blackburn.

"This borough needs a Liberal Democrat revival.

"I just hope another councillor will take on my mantle to protecting trees.

"We need to look after our trees and green spaces."

Cllr Riley also paid tribute to retiring Shear Brow and Corporation Park ward's Labour Cllr Zainab Rawat describing her as 'absolutely brilliant'."