PENDLE Council has been left out in the cold in a Millennium guide to public services in Lancashire after claiming it was a waste of money.

Councillors felt the 16-page tabloid guide, which is being delivered to 500,000 households in the biggest mail-drop in the county's history, was "of dubious value" and refused to contribute to the cost of production.

The guide has been backed by Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw and was launched this week by government minister Paddy Tipping, who welcomed it as a "clear reflection of all the hard work and effort that has gone into planning for the new millennium."

But Pendle Council's services director John Kirk said: "The council refused to contribute the several thousands of pounds that was being asked for and felt rate-payers money would be better spent.

"The millennium has already been done to death. The Government has produced its own leaflet which is going out to 25 million homes and now the county has done its own version."

Mr Kirk said he could not remember the exact figure Pendle was asked to pay but it was "considerable".

Mr Kirk said people could ring the council's emergency hot-line, on 01282 661999, which will be manned over the millennium weekend, if they have any problems.

Pendle and Fylde councils were the only two from Lancashire's 12 district and two unitary authorities which refused to contribute towards the guide. The emergency services and health authorities also helped pay for its cost.

Ironically, in a foreword to the guide, Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw, praises the partnership approach to the millennium. He said: "Planning for the millennium change over has been a real opportunity to strengthen the 'joined up' approach to problems which is now becoming routine for many public sector organisations." He added: "Happily everybody has responded commendably as this unique publication makes clear."

People in Pendle will still be sent a copy of the guide which has the telephone numbers for local police and fire stations.

It gives advice on how to organise a millennium party as well as important telephone numbers. There is also information on health services and staying healthy, first aid, safe driving in winter conditions and fire and fireworks safety tips.

Emergency and health services numbers for Pendle are included in the guide which was published on behalf of the Lancashire Major Incident Co-ordinating Group.

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: "It is very disappointing that Pendle Council decided not to be involved in a scheme that was praised by a Government Minister".

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