THE new mayor of Blackburn with Darwen has pledged to attempt to unite the borough's communities.

Coun Michael Barrett, who represents part of Darwen for the Labour Party, said the borough had undergone a "difficult" year and it was time to build bridges.

The former housing officer, whose wife Moira is mayoress, took over as mayor last Thursday.

And he said: "It has been a difficult year, internationally and locally. We have had the war on the global stage and difficulties to face here.

"But we will work to bring our communities together as a core value of authority and mayoralty."

As a mayor of the borough, Coun Barrett is forbidden from making political comment.

But while deputy mayor, he spoke out publicly against the presence of the far-right BNP in the borough and claimed that they would only serve to divide the community.

Coun Barrett said his determination to work for unity would be reflected in the name of his charity.

He said: "Under a banner of 'United we Stand, Divided we Fall,' we will throughout the year celebrate our diversity and the good it brings to the borough.

"All monies raised will be used to support local groups which challenge poverty, deprivation and particularly those suffering persecution.

"I think that was reflect in our Civic Sunday service, which took place last week.

"Myself and Moira sat down with the people organising the service to make sure it gave as many people as possible from right across the community a chance to be involved.

"That is what we want to do, involve people. We would encourage people who may not have got involved with Mayoral activities in the past to do so now. We want to do as much as we can to unite what is a borough people should be proud of."

Coun Barrett represents the Earcroft ward in Darwen.

He promised residents there: "My work continues there, working for residents, even though I am Mayor."