THE new face of public transport in Burnley and Pendle is now in the control of six men.

Months of negotiations between Burnley Council and the Stagecoach bus company have ended with new rules governing the company.

But Burnley has once again ruled out any possibility of selling the council's shares to the national concern.

Ever since Stagecoach bought 50 per cent of the shares in Burnley and Pendle Transport Ltd from Pendle Council in April there have been talks between Stagecoach bosses and leading Burnley councillors about the future.

On Tuesday evening the full picture was revealed in a report given to other councillors who have not been involved in the behind the scenes negotiations.

The details were given in a report to the Policy and Resources Committee, but the paperwork was collected in afterwards, and they were not allowed to take it home.

Part of the report explained changes to the board of directors. There will now be six nominees, three from Stagecoach and three from Burnley Council.

Councillors Stuart Caddy, Peter Kenyon and former councillor Ken McGeorge will represent Burnley.

From now on it will be the new board which draws up plans for the future operation of Burnley and Pendle Transport. The board will also decide who will chair the company.

The negotiations with Stagecoach were carried out by Councillors Kath Reade, Phil Bilham, Stuart Caddy and Eric Selby.

Said Mrs Reade: "The negotiations have taken a long time because of the unique situation facing us.

"Burnley Council still believes firmly in public ownership. We look forward to a change of government and legislation leading to a proper public transport system in this country."

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