BOROUGH chiefs have blasted Lancashire County Council for delaying talks now that Blackburn has been given the go ahead to become a Unitary Authority.

Blackburn officials say they have been left devastated by the response from County Hall who say they are not prepare to meet until August 28 to discuss the hand over of key local services.

Chairman of the council's Local Government Reorganisation Committee, Councillor Gail Barton said: "County council said all along that once Parliament had approved the creation of a new, all-purpose council for Blackburn, they would co-operate fully. We have now been given the go ahead but they haven't got time to talk until the end of August."

And council leader, Councillor Malcolm Doherty said it appeared to be a case of sour grapes.

He said: "Lancashire County Council can only damage the future provision of key services and the career prospects of their own employees by not talking."

But county council leader, County Councillor Louise Ellman hit back by saying it was the first date available for the two authorities to sit around the table and talk.

She said: " This is a very important meeting and top-line management should be present. Unfortunately due to holiday commitments myself neither chief executive Gordon Johnson are not available until August 28."

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