NORTH Turton parish council is in limbo after four councillors resigned.

The resignations follow the censuring of two councillors by a local investigation commissioned by the national Standards Board.

Last month, Coun David Holden and Coun David Smith were found to have failed to declare a "personal and prejudicial interest" in a planning application to demolish and rebuild a barn up to 50 metres from their homes in Isherwood Fold, Edgworth.

After their actions were rapped, they resigned from the council and now vice-chairman, Coun Ray Pearson and Coun Jean Rigby, who have quit in support. Now the parish council cannot effectively work because only two councillors, Marion Thomas and Martin Cowell, are left and three are needed to form a quorum.

The four councillors, who have 46 years' service between them, believe the code of practice for parish councils is ill-conceived and unworkable.

Coun Holden, who has been a parish councillor for 21 years, said: "The rules are too inflexible for me to be able to carry out my duties. I am not prepared to continue with 'Big Brother' looking over me. With 46 years of service between us, it is an appalling waste of experience."

Coun Smith, who was the council chairman, said: "The code of conduct is unworkable and I no longer feel I can fulfil my responsibility to the community. I think Blackburn Council must take some of the blame for lack of guidance and training."

Coun Pearson, who has served nine years on the council, said: "I believe Coun Holden and Smith to be of the highest standing, performing a difficult job under difficult conditions with no training or guidance."

Coun Rigby said: "I feel so strongly about what happened. I don't think the two councillors did anything wrong."

"The code of practice is untenable and, as I am also a district councillor, I have to remain impartial. I am not prepared to carry on with someone watching over me to see if I am breaking the rules."

The clerk of the council is seeking advice on where the parish council stands. New members could be co-opted on to the council. Elections are due to be held in June.