BOROUGH chiefs today moved to reassure town and parish councils that a major parish review would not result in cuts in funding.

Padiham councillors were worried that the borough council's funding would be withdrawn as part of the changes which will look at voting, boundaries and finances. But borough bosses said there would be no threat to parish and town council budgets.

Concerns were this week raised at the borough council's external relations and communications overview and scrutiny committee, particulary in relation to the newly-formed Padiham Town Council.

However, leader of the borough council Stuart Caddy said: "We will unequivocally continue funding Padiham town council and other parish councils."

Padiham's Mayor Granville Lord said: "There were concerns raised about the review and about the funding for Padiham from the borough council, but I am gald to hear Staurt Caddy say there will be no cut to the money that we and other councils get from the borough."

Mr Lord also welcomed news that the Stonemoor Bottom area of the town would be included in the review and could soon become part of Padiham Town Council.

The area was left out when Padiham was earlier this year given approval for its own town council for the first time in almost 30 years. The victory followed years of persistence from residents and councillors.

Padiham had its own urban district council until local government reorganisation in 1974 when it became part of Burnley Borough Council.

The new council's responsibilities include planning applications, allotments, public baths, burial grounds and cemeteries, the power to acquire and maintain open spaces and burial grounds, provision and maintenance of bus shelters and funding of community transport schemes.