DARWEN Town Council's first meeting was hit by a row as members delayed appointing a mayor. Paul Browne, councillor for the Sudell ward for both the town and borough councils, was annouced as the mayor-in-waiting earlier this week by Coun Tony Melia, the leader of the biggest party on the council, the For Darwen Party.

On Monday, Coun Browne said he was “chuffed” at the proposed appointment, which would have made him the first Darwen mayor since Colin Talbot in 1973.

But at the first meeting of the town council held at Darwen Library Theatre last night, the proposal was not ratified.

Councillors said they were unhappy that the plans were announced by Coun Melia before members were given the chance to have their say.

Coun Browne was instead voted in as chair for last night's meeting only, with the decision on the constitution of the new council to be made at a later date.

Several councillors expressed their upset at the way decisions had seemingly been made before the meeting by 'only a few members'.

Coun Dave Smith said: “There must be a selection criteria in place before the meeting and we must decide on a constitution.”

Coun Brenda Cronshaw added: “I was terribly, terribly upset at reading it first in the Lancashire Telegraph.

“Things seem to be being done behind closed doors.”

Addressing Coun Browne, Coun John East said: “We must try to remember integrity and to respect one another's views.

“You must remember that you are the chair of this meeting only and we will discuss the constitution at a later date.”

About 60 members of the public turned up for the meeting.

Some angrily expressed concerns that a mayor for the town would cost too much money and was not needed.