The leader of Hyndburn Labour group has condemned the cancellation of next week's full meeting of the borough council.

Cllr Munsif Dad said he was 'deeply dismayed and disappointed' by the move and demanded its reinstatement.

But the authority's Tory boss Cllr Marlene Haworth defended the decision, caused by the unavailability of both Mayor Cllr Terry Hurn and his deputy Cllr Joyce Plummer to chair the meeting in Accrington Town Hall.

She said there was no urgent business that could not wait until November.

Cllr Dad said: "This meeting was cancelled without valid justification.

"The Hyndburn Labour Group remains unwavering in its dedication to democratic process.

"Several alternatives were suggested by the Hyndburn Labour Group to reschedule, and we insist on its reinstatement.

"This is essential to preserve transparency and public representation.

"Waiting four months between meetings is unacceptable, especially considering the significant developments in Hyndburn since June such as the closure of Oswaldtwistle Civic Centre, the situation at Studio, and updates on council matters like Levelling Up and ongoing issues relating to Bulky Waste backlog.

"The reason for the meeting's cancellation has been attributed to the unavailability of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

"The Labour Group has proposed rearranging the meeting.

"The constitution also allows another chair to step in for the Mayor or Deputy.

"There is no valid reason to cancel such a crucial meeting and this is simply allowing Hyndburn Conservatives to hide from their lack of delivery for Hyndburn and its residents.

"Full Council meetings are a vital part of the council operations, providing a platform for councillors to represent their constituents and engage in comprehensive discussions among elected officials.

"Hyndburn Council is shutting this down."

In reply, council leader Cllr Haworth said: "The Conservatives did not cancel this meeting.

"It was a decision by chief executive David Welsby after consulting group leaders and deputy leaders. Cllr Dad was part of those discussions.

"The Mayor is on holiday and his deputy is at an event so there was no-one to chair it.

"There was no urgent reason to hold a meeting this month."

A Hyndburn Council spokesperson said: "Whilst the Chief Executive takes the decision on cancellation or rescheduling of Council Meetings, they do so by following the guidance the council has set out.

"This guidance requires consultation with the party leaders, chair and vice chair of the meeting (in this case The Mayor and Deputy Mayor).

"Having followed that procedure, the result was four to one in favour of cancellation of the September Full Council meeting.

"The next Hyndburn full council meeting is scheduled for Thursday November 2."