A BID to ban a former Rossendale councillor from approaching council staff and visiting any of its premises has been dropped.

Rossendale Council took steps to obtain an injunction against Noel O’Brien following an incident two years ago when he was escorted out of Bacup Leisure Hall by police during the Rossendale election count.

The action was taken after he was said to have been ‘abusive’.

However, the council has confirmed that it has ended legal proceedings as he had already been banned from attending council meetings or going into council offices.

A Rossendale Council spokesman said: “We sought an injunction again Mr O’Brien to stop him visiting council premises.

“Before the injunction was finalised, criminal proceedings were brought against Mr O’Brien by the police.

“And as part of his bail conditions he was barred from council premises and from making contact with council officers whether by himself or through others.

“Mr O’Brien is well aware that he has been asked to write directly to our Chief Executive if he wishes to contact the council about anything.”

In response, Mr O'Brien, of Mercer Crescent, Helmshore, who is a former Haslingden councillor, said he was exercising his 'civil right' to speak with the chief executive and attend meetings.

He said: “I am a ratepayer and have the right to meet and discuss any concerns I have about Rossendale with members of the council.

“We do not have a town hall or official council offices and I think Rossendale Council is a body which cannot be contacted.

“They have spent around £2,070 and also more than 100 hours trying to get this injunction against me but I am now looking to having a meeting with the Chief Executive face to face.”