A GOVERNMENT inquiry into the future of Parliamentary seats in Lancashire was due to end today.

The inquiry was set up after the Boundary Commission announced its intention to add another seat to the county map.

Blackburn MP Jack Straw, and Darwen and Rossendale MP Janet Anderson, have both expressed concerns about one of the commission's proposals.

The commission wanted to created a new Blackburn with Darwen Council ward that would be added to Mrs Anderson's Parliamentary seat.

Mr Straw wrote a letter to the commission outlining his support for including Fernhurst in Rossendale and Darwen.

In the letter Mr Straw said: "While those who live in the northern part of Fernhurst, the area to the north west of Blackburn Rovers' Ewood Park football ground, would align themselves with Blackburn, the rest of the area of lower Darwen, which will form part of the south east of the new ward, would more likely consider themselves as Darweners than Blackburnians."

Phil Riley, secretary of Blackburn Labour Party, also spoke in favour of the move; and Kevin Lee, a regional director of the Labour Party, wrote a letter supporting the move.

Mrs Anderson has, in the past, raised objections and Rossendale Borough Council is opposed to the move.

The inquiry was expected to end today and a decision about how a 16th seat will be added to the county made later in the year.