THE jobs of 25 staff hang in the balance after a High Court stripped a town council of the right to run its own services.

Whitworth Town Council has been administering its own services on behalf of Rossendale Council since 1974.

Problems arose two years ago when town clerk Gerry Taylor disappeared at the same time as £140,000 from the council's budget.

Last September, Rossendale took control of the swimming pool, civic hall, parks and open spaces, bus shelters and public toilets.

Whitworth sought a High Court ruling, claiming it had 'user rights' over the running of services.

But in London Mr Justice Kay ruled it was "imperative" that local services be handed over to Rossendale in a way which would "minimise any resulting hardships to the residents of Whitworth''.

After the ruling Whitworth acting town clerk Ron Pickup said: "I am fearful about what is likely to be the result for the quality and cost of services in the town. "In my view this is a legal precedent which affects not only the autonomy of Whitworth but every town and parish council created under 1974 local government reorganisation."

Rossendale Council leader John McManus said: "The problem has always been that we knew we could deliver the services for as much as £70,000 a year less than Whitworth was demanding. And Whitworth seemed unwilling to cut costs.

"Its council is now under new leadership, Coun Keiran Heakin, and I am sure we can work together to make sure Rossendale Council taxpayers' money is spent wisely and effectively to provide the services the people of Whitworth need."

Coun McManus was not able to say what might happen to the current staff but added the first consideration was the provision of good services.

The Judge refused Whitworth leave to appeal but the council could seek leave directly from the Court of Appeal.

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