A MAN who was forced to resign from a Hyndburn community group for singing a racist song could be allowed back into its ranks after winning a seat on the borough council.

But at a meeting of Clayton-le-Moors neighbourhood management board, held in private, members could not decide whether to let newly-elected councillor Nick Collingridge back in.

Coun Collingridge stepped down as chairman of the board in December after police cautioned him for singing the derogatory lyrics referring to the fact he would rather be Irish than black, at a Christmas party.

However, under the current constitution, the elected members for the Clayton-le-Moors and Altham wards have a seat on the board.

Management boards, which are funded by the government, help residents improve their areas by acting as a contact between them and local service providers, from councils to the police.

Hyndburn Council has contracted social housing company Eaves Brook to run neighbourhood management boards on its behalf.

The authority has now called for a crisis meeting with the firm over the Coun Collingridge issue.

Steve Watson, area councils manager for Hyndburn Council, said: "We need to have a discussion with Eaves Brook to ascertain the way forward."

Council officers and local councillors were excluded from the debate about Mr Collingridge, leaving only the residents and representatives from Eaves Brook.

A council source said there was a possibility some board members may resign if the new councillor took up his seat, although that not been confirmed or denied.

Board chairman Rean Henks refused to comment on the meeting but Coun Collingridge said: "I am not aware of any problems.

"I have still been involved in neighbourhood management activities.

"All I'm interested in is doing the best for the people of Clayton-le-Moors."

But former councillor Tim O'Kane, who lost his seat to Mr Collingridge, said: "I believe the board is in jeopardy because the elected councillor automatically has a seat on it.

"I'm not sure whether he will be allowed to be on it because he has compromised them."

Steve Glover, regional regeneration manager for Eaves Brook, said: "We will be guided by the council."