A MAN accused by the Labour party of handing control of Hyndburn Council to the Conservatives will again stand as a Green candidate in next month's local elections.

Last year, furious Labour Party chiefs blasted Ian Dixon and accused him of taking votes away from their candidate in Accrington's Barnfield ward.

Mayor-elect Wendy Dwyer lost the seat to Tory councillor Paul Barton and control of the council passed from Labour to Conservative.

But this time Mr Dixon could tip the balance the other way

Speaking about last year's election, Coun Jean Battle said: "Ian Dixon certainly upset the apple cart but people are entitled to stand where they like and I think he has more chance of doing damage to the Tory candidate this time."

The Conservatives have 18 councillors to Labour's 17.

Conservative council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "I am surprised the Labour Party are surrendering the Barnfield seat so early.

"I am confident our candidate, Tony Dobson, will be returned because he has been a superb ward councillor."

The Liberal Democrat Party is fielding candidates in Baxenden, Spring Hill and St Andrew's wards. The party, which does not have any councillors in the borough, is looking to break the Labour and Conservative domination of the council chamber.

Despite rumours to the contrary the BNP has not put up any candidates in Hyndburn, where one seat is up for grabs in 12 wards.

However, in Blackburn the far-right party fields five candidates. BNP spokesman Dr Phil Edwards said: "Our candidates are fighting to represent local people and their local problems. We also need to cut down on political correctness, which is why people want us."

Robin Evans, who became the party's first BNP councillor after winning a seat in Mill Hill in 2002, stands as an independent. Council leader Sir Bill Taylor said: "We have done a great deal of work since Robin Evans was elected in Mill Hill and we are confident the BNP have been exposed for what they are.

"During the polling process they will get what they deserve, which is nothing."

Liberal Democrat leader Coun Paul Browne added: "I would be very, very surprised if the BNP get any seats because I believe people have seen through them."

Colin Rigby, Conservative group leader, said: "I think it is bad news for the borough and I hope people have more sense than to consider voting for them."