THREE leading Burnley councillors have resigned in an emotion-charged protest at the sell-off of the local bus company to private operators Stagecoach.

Last night's vote, believed to be 35 to 0, to sell Burnley's half share was taken in private at a meeting of Burnley Council which started three hours late at 10pm.

A large group of bus workers who had waited patiently in the public gallery were angry when told to leave without hearing the debate but followed the advice of union secretary, Peter Brindle, to go quietly and to behave impeccably.

The real decision was taken at a two and a half hour meeting of the ruling Labour group and has been described as a betrayal.

The three to go are husband and wife, Stuart and Gail Caddy, both prominent members of the Labour group and party, and Phil Bilham, a former housing chairman.

Mr Caddy also resigned as a director of the bus company. He told the packed council chamber: "My principles will never change. I have been a socialist all my life. "I don't want my friendship with councillors to go over this and I have no axe to grind.

"I honestly wish you all the best with Stagecoach but I would like to now hand in my resignation as a councillor for Burnley.''

Addressing the gallery, Coun Bilham said: "I have never promised you jobs or pay rises, I didn't promise you new buses but I did promise that I would stand by you.

"Unfortunately the vote tonight will not allow me to stick by you and I hereby tender my resignation to the council.''

Outside the chamber, an emotional Mr Caddy commented: "This is my worst day. I will miss the council work, it is a very sad situation.''

Coun Bilham said he had put the vote of no confidence in the leadership but that the vote was "not close." He felt extremely badly let down.

Council leader, Coun Kath Reade, said they had accepted the officers' advice to debate the issue in private so as not to prejudice the council's financial interests. She said: "Our overwhelming responsibility is first and foremost to the ratepayers of Burnley. We have a duty to protect the value of our public assets. We are desperately sorry that the situation has progressed to this point and I pay tribute to all councillors for doing what they felt they had to do in the situation.

"I feel very, very desperately sorry.''

Transport Union secretary Peter Brindle, who had spoken to the Labour group in private, was allowed to address the full council in public.

He thanked those who had supported the busmen and questioned how the other councillors could sleep at nights.

The happenings of recent days were, he said, despicable: "Everything has been done very quickly and quietly. They have done it behind closed doors."

Preston-based Stagecoach Ribble managing director Mr Michael Chambers was said to be unavailable to comment.

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