HYNDBURN'S lone independent councillor is set to boycott a meeting called to discuss radical changes aimed at modernising the way the borough is run.

But the council leader has accused Coun Adrian Shurmer (pictured) of letting down the people he represents - and said that if Coun Shurmer has a view, he should attend and make it known.

Coun Shurmer, who represents Netherton ward in Great Harwood, believes Hyndburn Council should not debate changes to its structure until the results of an auditors' investigation are announced.

The council called in auditors last autumn to scrutinise the activity of its officers after Coun Shurmer called for an inquiry into "irregularities".

An extraordinary meeting has been called for this evening to discuss how Hyndburn Council will comply with the Government's local government reforms - but Coun Shurmer says he will not be going.

Coun Shurmer said: "This meeting is premature and I am surprised it is being called when the auditors' report into the way the council is run is still outstanding. The auditors have said there are several issues where the council needs to review and improve its procedures.

"It would be a waste of time and taxpayers' money for the council to contemplate anything until the auditors' recommendations are known and have been considered." Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe said: "Being a councillor involves taking part in debate.

If Coun Shurmer feels this way, he should attend the meeting and state his case.

"He seems to have an opinion, but is abdicating his responsibility to the people who elect him."

In December the auditors said they had found no evidence of corruption - after a three-month inquiry which has cost the taxpayer more than £32,000.

The investigation centred on issues including the authority's handling of a major planning application - the planned new supermarket in Great Harwood.

The chief auditor's last letter to the council said the authority would be told to review and improve its procedures when the final report is made public.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.