COUNCILLORS in Hyndburn have hit out at changes to the borough's area councils.

The councils are small bodies given their own budgets by Hyndburn Council, covering local issues such as community projects.

But this year Hyndburn Council has brought in sweeping changes to create a ninth authority, splitting the former Accrington Area Council into two smaller groups. Church and Milnshaw have also been merged.

At the authority's annual council meeting on Thursday, councillors reacted with anger at the proposals, demanding the public be consulted.

Coun Edith Dunston objected to a new group taking in the Spring Hill and Central wards. She said: "I cannot think of a more diverse two wards to join together."

Hyndburn used to be covered by eight area councils - Baxenden, Oswaldtwistle, Huncoat, Clayton and Altham, Church, Accrington, Rishton and Great Harwood. But under the new system, Church area council now covers Church and Milnshaw, while Accrington has been split into Central and Springhill, and Peel and Barnfield.

But Coun Peter Britcliffe, leader of the council, defended the move, saying it would make more sense to have smaller groups.

He said: "We have felt that the small area councils have made more progress than the large ones. We have got to give them a chance. and I can only tell you that I have had reactions from community leaders in Spring Hill, West Accrington, Peel and Barnfield, and all are very pleased."