A COUNCILLOR stormed from Burnley's housing committee after being stopped from discussing alleged "tatty'' housing repair work.

Coun Mohammed Subhan produced a piece of guttering and a photo at the meeting, claiming they proved that work done in the Central Renewal Area was unsatisfactory.

The committee were discussing a list of companies to be invited to tender for group repair work in Daneshouse and Stoneyholme.

Coun Subhan asked if officers were satisfied with work carried out in the Central Renewal Area and said: "I don't want cowboys working in my ward.

"I am trying to find out if officers were satisfied with the quality of work carried out.'' David Riley, housing needs and strategy manager, said all the companies were on the approved list and met the council's approved criteria.

One firm was removed from the list temporarily but restored when the council was satisfied it had improved its performance.

"We are satisfied the quality of work is acceptable,'' he said.

Coun Subhan was advised that discussion about any particular company should take place after the Press and public had left.

Coun Subhan said he wanted the Press to tell the public.

Coun Gordon Birtwistle said: "Without naming names we are bringing to the notice of the committee part of the town where work has been done using second or third rate materials, fitted by second, third or fourth rate tradesmen.

"All we want is for the job to be investigated. They fitted nasty, tatty guttering which is falling off after 12 months.''

The committee agreed that block repair schemes in Stoneyholme and Daneshouse should start in Daneshouse Road and Devonshire Road with six contractors being asked to tender.

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