A ROW between Blackpool and Wyre Councils has led to Wyre Conservative councillors turning their backs on a body designed to boost the local economy.

Wyre Tory members will not attend meetings of the Fylde Coast Initiative after Blackpool raised objections to expansion of the Freeport shopping complex at Fleetwood. There will be a planning inquiry into the Freeport plan on October 15.

Leader of Wyre's controlling Conservative group, Coun Alan Vincent, said that blocking the expansion could cost hundreds of jobs. Blackpool has responded by saying they are protecting their town centre in line with government policy. And Wyre Labour councillor David Oxley branded the Conservative reaction as childish.

Coun Vincent said: "This makes a mockery of the Fylde Coast Initiative where the three coastal authoritities of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre are meant to be working together to promote economic development and encourage job creation," said Coun Vincent.

"This latest move by Blackpool looks more like self interest than partnership to me.

"Sabotaging real jobs in Wyre for, at best, possible jobs in Blackpool when the net result will be job losses for all of us is suicidal."

He added: "Wyre has a strategic plan for the creation of retail jobs in Fleetwood. If any element of that plan falls by the wayside then there is a risk that it will impact upon other developments."

But Blackpool deputy leader Coun Eddie Collett hit back: "The government has issued very strong guidelines to protect town centres. As elected members we have a responsibility to our residents to protect Blackpool town centre and we are doing that by encouraging and nurturing regeneration.

"This effort would certainly be damage by the proposed expansion of Freeport."

Coun Oxley, a Labour member of the committee said he supported the Freeport Extension but added: "To let an issue like this spoil the good work of the Fylde Coast Initiative is a bit childish."

Wyre will maintain contact informally between officers and leading members.

Blackpool has asked for their officers to attend the planning inquiry to raise objections in person.