AN emergency meeting of Barnoldswick town council is being urged after Pendle Council voted not to agree to provide cash for a new council home.

Barnoldswick's Liberal Democrats accused Pendle's Labour group of reneging on a deal to fund a new base for the town council after a proposal by Lib Dem councillor David Whipp to provide £24,000 from the capital programme was narrowly defeated by 19 votes to 18 at the full council.

After the meeting Coun Marjorie Adams said: "I'm calling for an emergency meeting of the town council. This is a major blow."

Town and Borough councillor Margaret Bell said: "They've sold us down the river. It was Barnoldswick's building and Barnoldswick's cash. It is just daylight robbery."

Coun Mary Norcross said: "I'm no financial wizard, but anyone can see they've taken the money to Nelson, and Labour won't give it back."

But Pendle Council leader Coun Azhar Ali said: "At no stage during the year has Coun Whipp ever proposed that this money be given to Barnoldswick Town Council.

"If the town council wants to write to Pendle, then the executive will consider their request. This is just cheap party politics. We are not closing the door on anything."