A COUNTY councillor has decided to stand down -- so he can concentrate on winning control of a borough council.

Ian Ormerod, who represents Rishton, Clayton-le-Moors and Altham, has decided not to stand for selection as the Labour candidate for the county council elections in May.

Instead, he wants to concentrate on his role as leader of opposition Labour on Hyndburn Council, where he is a representative for the Milnshaw ward.

Since becoming a county councillor four years ago, he has worked on the tourism sub-committee to promote East Lancashire.

But today he said: "I want to concentrate on working as a councillor for Hyndburn.

"There is no doubt in my mind that people are fed up of the way the Conservatives are riding roughshod over people's opinions and doing whatever they want to.

"We have made significant headway since we lost control in 1999 and I am confident we will take control at the next elections. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a county councillor. It coincided with my retirement but now my grandchildren are growing up and starting school and I want to be a part of that. I want to have a life as well as carrying on in politics."

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe says he is not too worried about Coun Ormerod's sudden change in direction.

He said: "Our track record is much better than that of the previous Labour administration.

"We listen to what people want, get the job done and keep down council tax."

Coun Ormerod's decision to stand down could be the first of many big changes on the county council. Great Harwood county councillor and former Hyndburn Council leader George Slynn is due to attend a selection committee tomorrow night.