THREE by-elections in Burnley in the next ten days could result in opposition groups outnumbering the Labour party for the first time in decades.

By-elections are taking place in Trinity and Lowerhouse wards on Thursday and in Rosehill ward on the following Thursday.

Before the resignation of two independent and one Labour councillor the council was made up of 24 Labour councillors, 11 independents, nine Liberal Democrats, three Conservatives and one Socialist Alliance.

If Labour fail to take one of the three vacancies they will be left with 23 councillors with opposition groups totalling 25.

Five will contest the vacancy in Rosehill ward caused by the resignation of independent group leader Harry Brooks.

The line up is: James Cowell (BNP), Anthony Davis (Lib-Dem), Nigel Musker (Ind), Denis Otter (Lab), Alan Stewart (Con).

Four candidates as previously announced will fight the other two vacancies.