COUNCILLORS have vowed to stick by residents after a decision to preserve a bowling green was overturned.

Government planning inspectors were called into Hollins Grove Liberal Club, Darwen, after the council refused planning permission to sell the land, belonging to the club, to save its future.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council revealed that a High Court appeal would not be made after inspectors overturned the council's decision.

Councillor Mike Barrett said: "The inspector's decision was based on the club's financial situation and that should not figure in planning decisions."