BURNLEY's civic leaders have told bosses at county hall not to come to their summer festival - because having the two groups at the event would 'confuse' people.

Borough council chiefs took the decision to tell their county cousins to stay away because of concerns the larger authority would steal the thunder for organising the event.

The snub has met with a furious reaction from county council leader Hazel Harding who today branded Burnley council 'ridiculous.'

And leader of the opposition in the town Gordon Birtwistle said the decision was 'an insult' to the people of Burnley.

Lib Dem leader Coun Birtwistle said: "Everyone that I know in Burnley certainly understands the difference between the two authorities and it is quite insulting to suggest they do not. The county council supplies the majority of services in the town and they should be welcomed."

County bosses have now demanded an urgent meeting with the borough council to discuss the reasons for their decision amid fears the move could affect relations between the two authorities.

Lancashire County Council spends around £104million a year in Burnley on services including education, tourism, social services and roads.

Coun Harding said: "We have been trying to sort out our attendance at the festival but it became clear we would not be welcome, because strangely Burnley council thought our presence might confuse people. I would have thought us being there would have exactly the opposite effect as we could explain to people what services we offer as part of our spending in Burnley.

"It seems quite ridiculous and a very disappointing decision. I would very much like to have a meeting with Burnley council in the hope it is not too late for them to change their minds.

"Burnley council's negative approach is not something we have ever come across before from other local authorities we work with, most are very welcoming.

"I hope this will not damage our working relations with Burnley council, although there have been times when they have complained when they feel we are not being as co-operative as they would like."

Coun Harding said Burnley's attitude compared unfavourably with authorities like Fylde borough council who invited Lancashire County Council to their 'Listening Day' event with open arms.

In an e-mail sent to the county council by Burnley council's director of community and leisure services, Mick Cartledge, he said: "You will be aware that Burnley Borough Council devote significant financial resources and staff time into this event and as a result, we wish to ensure that the public understand that it is a Burnley Borough Council organised/led event. As a result we feel that having the Lancashire County Council trailer at the event will confuse residents.

Therefore, the Lancashire county council trailer will not be allowed to come this year."

A Burnley Council spokesman added: "Burnley council is putting a significant amount of resources into Burnley Community Festival, both financially and in terms of staffing. We feel that the festival is something that people identify with Burnley Council.

"It should be noted that the county council's road safety trailer is part of the carnival procession that will make its way through Burnley before ending up at Queen's Park to coincide with the festival. The carnival parade will be parked in Ormerod Road, alongside the park, and the aim is to encourage people to visit the parade vehicles as part of their visit to the festival, so that one complements the other."

Burnley Community Festival - or the Reach festival as it is also known - was introduced three years ago following the riots which rocked the town in June 2001.

It was brought in following a recommendation in the Task Force report which followed the disturbances it could be a way to improve community cohesion in the town.

The festival will be held in Queen's Park on Sunday, August 21.