A GROUP of Ribble Valley councillors is calling for new procedural powers to come into force in a bid to get more in-depth discussions on two major issues affecting the area.

Coun Allan Knox, chairman of Ribble Valley Council's overview and scrutiny committee has activated for the first time the borough council's new call-in procedure, part of its strategy for enhancing local democracy.

He wants to further discuss the proposed restoration plans for Clitheroe Castle and its grounds, and the borough council's recent decision not to give £5,000 to fund Christmas decorations for Clitheroe, Longridge and Whalley.

Backed by the Mayor of Clitheroe Mayor and Ribble Valley councillor Mary Robinson and the town's ward councillors Alan Yearing, Pat Rawson and John McGowan, Coun Knox has requested that the decisions made by the community committee last week are called in for review.