BLACKBURN and Darwen’s Neighbourhood Board committees have been spared the axe after a bid to scrap them was overturned by town hall chiefs.

The opposition Labour Group won a vote last month pledging to replace the five boards, which meet to discuss local issues and give out funding, with smaller, area committees based on each of the 22 wards in the borough.

But the move was not supported by the ruling executive board at a meeting.

Bosses claimed a consultation had supported the boards, and said the changes would cost more than £1million.

Opposition Labour councillor Dave Harling said: “The motion is given little respect, in spite of the fact that it was passed by the full council.”