NUCLEAR test veterans should be afforded the same status as former and current members of the armed services in Pendle, according to councillors.

An armed forces community convenant is in place across Nelson, Colne and West Craven, ensuring ongoing support for serving and retired military.

Coun Robert Allen, supported by his Labour colleague Coun Sheena Dunn, is now calling on the borough to recognise the contribution of local people involved in national security and defence during Britain’s nuclear weapons tests of the 1950s and 1960s.

The pairing is calling on colleague to support of full council motion tomorrow to officially recognise their role and establish a benevolent fund to provide assistance to test veterans.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson would also be called upon publicly to back the veterans campaign and raise the issue in the House of Commons, if the motion if successful.