THE gloves are off for the third time in 12 months as Labour and Liberal Democrats square up to fight for Darwen's Sudell ward in next month's local elections.

Liberal Leader Paul Browne has attacked Labour's decision to field sitting Sunnyhurst councillor Nigel Nuttall.

Mr Nuttall announced in November he would not defend the seat he has held for nine years at the May 2 elections. He was concerned work commitments would hamper his efforts to give 100 per cent to the extra work load unitary authority status for Blackburn would mean.

Mr Browne fumed: "It all seems a bit funny to me. Nigel is a Sunnyhurst man. But this Labour party tactic to oust me will not work."

His claims were shrugged off by the Labour party. Sudell councillor Eileen Entwistle explained that Mr Nuttall only decided to serve when it was revealed unitary status would not come into force until 1998.

She said: "There is nothing sinister whatsoever about Nigel standing in Sudell. A Sunnyhurst candidate had already been chosen when the unitary authority announcement was made. We are just pleased to have somebody with such a high profile representing the party." Mr Nuttall added: "My family history in Sudell dates back to the 1800s. After I got married I lived in Higher Perry Street and my parents still live in the ward."

Mr Browne has served Sudell ward for 23 years, with a break of two months, when he lost last year's election to Labour's Derek Brindle. He regained the seat in a by-election last June, called when Liberal Democrat John Morgan resigned.

The Conservatives have opted not to field a candidate. "I was surprised to hear Mr Nutall was standing for Sudell," commented Conservative leader, councillor Donald Heatlie-Jackson. "We didn't have a suitable candidate for the seat and are concentrating on quality rather than quantity when it comes to putting forward candidates."

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