SHAMED mayor Peter Swainston today spoke of his deep regret over a seedy sex case but vowed to carry on as a town hall councillor.

Bachelor Mr Swainston, 48, quit as Mayor of Burnley yesterday after pleading guilty at Preston Magistrates' Court to committing an act of gross indecency with another man in public toilets next to Victoria Park, Carr Road, Nelson, on February 12. He was fined £200 with £45 costs.

At his terraced home in Elmwood Street, Burnley, Coun Swainston said today: "I have been very foolish and I bitterly regret that I have let people down.''

Burnley born and bred, Coun Swainston, said it was one of his proudest moments when he was chosen as mayor of his home town.

But he had thrown that away in a reckless and foolish act.

Asked why he had taken the risk he replied: "I don't know, it was just one of those things, I cannot explain it.''

Coun Swainston said he intended to carry on work as a councillor unless his colleagues asked for his resignation. He said: "I have been encouraged by the kind messages of support I have received from council colleagues, from people in my ward and from people I do not even know.

"The telephone has never stopped ringing with people leaving messages of support. I have also received a kind letter in the post this morning from a town hall employee which also gives me encouragement.''

Coun Swainston added: "What has happened doesn't alter the way I will fight for my ward, it is the only way of life I have known for 21 years.''

Coun Swainston said he had never sought high office in the council: "All I ever wanted was to be a ward councillor representing my fellow workers.''

A former award winning milkman, he was once voted Milkman of the Year in the North West, Coun Swainston gave up his round a short time before taking on the office of mayor. He said: "I had worked on the milk for 26 years and it was affecting my health through rheumatism. Giving up work also gave me more time to devote to the duties of mayor.

"I have been asked to do holiday relief work for other milkmen but at the moment I don't know what I shall do, I want to reflect for a bit.''

Coun Swainston said one of the most difficult things he had to do was to tell Burnley Council's chief cxecutive about his arrest.

He said: "It happened on February 12 and I told Roger Ellis two days later on Friday the 14th. That was not an easy thing to do.

"The council leader, Kath Reade, then became involved. I have to say I was very upset.

"At the time I didn't think I had anyone to turn to but I have to say they were wonderful friends to me and I would like to thank them for that.''

News of Coun Swainston's court appearance and resignation sent shockwaves through Burnley and beyond.

There have been many expressions of sadness and sympathy for the popular councillor who has served in Coal Clough and Barclay wards for 21 years.

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