A ROW has broken out over plans to spend around £3,000 celebrating cash-strapped Hyndburn Council's 30th birthday.

Ruling Tory councillors insisted the move would be money well spent, but the opposing Labour Group argued it would make more sense to devote officers' time to ensuring the authority's £1.8million cash crisis did not reappear.

Hyndburn was created in 1974 following local government reorganisation which resulted in urban district councils merging. The Tories want to organise a ceremonial cake-cutting, a continental market, a fair, and a merger of the civic Sunday and mayor-making events into an extravaganza to celebrate the anniversary.

But Labour leader Jean Battle said: "At a time when we are tightening our belts, should we be spending officer time and effort on setting up a party to celebrate 30 years of Hyndburn? To many, it's probably a party we don't want to have."

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "We have already announced sponsors and identified savings to make it affordable, such as merging two civic occasions to make mayor-making so special.

"I am sure it is a celebration people of Hyndburn want. More sponsors will be found. It will be good for Accrington and the town."

The row erupted as the council was given a 'good work' report from its auditors following the £1.8million cash crisis. While auditors Robson Rhodes praised the authority for tackling the crisis by working cross-party, Coun Britcliffe insisted the authority wasn't out of the woods yet.

Challenged by Labour backbencher Dave Parkins about plans to close the reception at the borough's works department, Coun Britcliffe said: "There are a lot of tough decisions to take which we must not shirk away from for the sake of the people of Hyndburn."