LIBERAL Democrats in Pendle have described the proposed options for a major shake-up of councils in East Lancashire as "complete disaster" for the borough.

The comments by Pendle Liberal Democrat chairman, Lord Tony Greaves, come as the executive committees of Pendle and Burnley councils prepare to debate the three draft options for change drawn up by the Boundary Committee, as part of a public consultation.

The first option is for a county-wide unitary authority, the second is for an East Lancashire authority and the third is for two East Lancashire unitary authorities - one for Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale and one for Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.

Lord Greaves said all three were "bad news" for Pendle.

He said: "Many people in Pendle have hardly come to terms with the last round of amalgamations almost 30 years ago.

"To close down Pendle and take us all under Burnley, Blackburn, or even Preston is the height of madness.

"It is a recipe devised by madmen with no understanding of local communities and no belief in local democracy."

He said the amalgamation of Burnley, Pendle Rossendale was the only acceptable option but even this would be too large and would bring together areas that were too diverse.

He said: "Burnley is too remote from places such like Colne, Trawden, Barnoldswick and Earby.

"And what a prospect - all the problems of Burnley, a truly shrinking town in the throes of decline - and Rossendale, officially described as the worst bvouncil in the country! What hope will there be for the needs of Pendle and its people when set against those of its neighbours?"

Pendle Liberal Democrats met on Friday to prepare to fight the proposals, which will be part of a referendum on a regional assembly for the North West next year.

Pendle Residents will be asked if they want a regional assembly and, if so, which option would they favour for council reorganisation.

Burnley Council leader, Stuart Caddy, however, believes the draft proposals are good news for Burnley.

He said: "We put forward a very strong preference for a Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale unitary council, and the Boundary Committee has included this option for consideration.

"Our second preference of creating an East Lancashire authority is also included, but this may be too large to deliver services effectively."

The executive committee, which meets tomorrow will be asked to support the drawing up of a response to the consultation, which will reiterate these preferred options.

The committee will discuss the issue again in January and there will be further debate when the full council meets in February.

Pendle's executive committee, which also meets on Tuesday, will be asked to formulate its views for consideration by the full council.