SHAMED ex-mayor Peter Swainston has lost his job as vice chairman of Burnley's public protection committee - and has been removed as governor of St Mary Magdelene's RC Primary School.

The 48-year-old bachelor quit as civic leader after being convicted for gross indecency in public toilets at Nelson.

Coun Swainston retains his place as a member of the public protection committee and remains a council delegate on the management body of Stoops and Hargher Clough community centre youth club.

The changes were made at this week's annual meeting of the council's ruling Labour group which was attended by Coun Swainston.

But party bosses today insisted Coun Swainston had not been "sacked" from the vice-chairmanship and that the the shake-up had not been planned to remove Coun Swainston.

"It was just part of the democratic process we use," said group leader Coun Kath Reade.

"He was not nominated for the vice-chairman's job and his place was taken by Coun Tony Harrison."

"Coun Swainston's position was not discussed in any way," she added. But his continued membership on public protection and the youth club management team was today condemned by Independent, Coun Harry Brooks, who called them dishonest and farcical.

He again called for Coun Swainston's resignation, adding : "How on earth can Coun Swainston be properly associated with the guidance of young people and how can he serve on a council committee responsible for preventing abuse of public facilities? The whole thing is a sick joke and can only bring the council into disrepute. He should go and the sooner the better."

Coun Mrs Reade retorted: "Coun Brooks' bizarre obsession with this matter is beginning to raise eyebrows."

His place as Burnley representative on St Mary Magdalene's school governing body has been taken by council newcomer Martine Winder.

School head Terry Ferguson said today there had been no pressure from the school to remove Coun Swainston from the board of governors.

He had not attended the last meeting, but had sent his apologies, he added.

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