A FORMER mayor of Whitworth used this year's mayor-making ceremony to slam fellow councillors for their alleged lack of support.

Coun Alan Neal passed the chain of office to his deputy, Coun Kieran Heakin, on Friday at Lords Caterers.

But he said in his speech he felt there had been a "disappointing" show of support in his year at the helm.

Coun Neal, who will remain a town and borough councillor despite joining the race to become a MEP, said that three major fundraisers organised by he and his wife, Janet, were snubbed by colleagues despite being arranged four months in advance.

But the independent Rossendale councillor also moved to thank councillors Kieran Heakin, Jimmy Grogan and Tom Aldred, who he felt had given him their full backing.

Coun Neal, 50, of Tonnacliffe Old Road, Whitworth, said he and his wife raised more than £1,500 during his year in office.

He added: "I informed the town councillors who have not supported me that I hoped the new mayor would get better support.

"It's not the fact that they haven't supported us as a couple, that doesn't matter, but it's their duty to support the ethos of raising money for local organisations, which was extremely poor over the last year. It's concerning and I don't want to see it happen again."

Coun Heakin will be supported in his role by his deputy, Coun Christine Power.

Bill Jenkins, Whitworth Town Council's clerk, said: "When it comes to commenting on the conduct of councillors I remain neutral. At the ceremony, Coun Neal asked fellow councillors to support the incoming mayor.

"I think the implication that councillors hadn't supported him was there.

"I don't suppose everyone has turned up to fundraising events throughout the year.

"It's not protocol but we would hope that fellow councillors would support you during your year of office when functions are held to raise money for the benefit of local charities and groups."