PADIHAM will get its own town council next spring after a well attended "independence" meeting yesterday selected an 18-strong steering group.

Chairman and long time campaigner for a Padiham Council, Granville Lord, said: "It was a brilliant meeting.

"We were looking for a steering committee of 15 but ended up with 18 dedicated people who want the best for the town of Padiham."

The group will now meet monthly. It has not yet been decided whether Padiham will have its own mayor.

The victory follows years of persistence from residents and councillors in pressing for their own council.

Padiham had its own urban district council until local government reorganisation in 1974.

Once the council has been formed, Coun Lord believes it is only a matter of time until the Stonemoor Bottom are could also be included. Residents there have voted to be included.

Coun Lord said it was hoped the council would remain neutral and not get bogged down with party political rows.

"We going to get on with the job and deal with things on a level playing field," he said.

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