A LAST-minute rebellion nearly scuppered the arrival of the Tour of Britain in East Lancashire - amid fears the potential benefits of the major road race are ‘vague’.

Liberal Democrats in Pendle have also voiced concerns that their £100,000 contribution to the September 2015 spectacular may not win public support as the borough council prepares to make huge savings and slash jobs.

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Serious disruption is also anticipated around the M65 and North Valley Road as a result of the road race, which will wind its way through Ribble Valley and Pendle.

But Conservatives at a Nelson Town Hall executive meeting won a narrow vote to provide cash backing to the venture, alongside £90,000 already committed by council chiefs in Clitheroe.

Coun Tony Greaves, Lib Dem leader, said: “If we do this then we will make every effort to make it a success - but the people of Pendle will see £100,000 as three or four jobs for a year.”

Claims of economic benefits, by race organisers, were also ‘vague’ he said, and there was no guarantee that a third or quarter of the anticipated route would be within Pendle’s boundaries, rather than the Ribble Valley.

Coun David Whipp added: “I just cannot see the people of Pendle welcoming us blowing £100,000 when the authority is nearly broke.”

But Coun James Starkie said that the 2010 national cycling championships, held around Pendleside’s villages, had generated positive publicity, even though the area had been ‘closed down’.

“This is like the Tour de France, it is there and then it is gone within an hour,” he added.

And council leader Coun Joe Cooney said the route, which could be up to 220km long, was still to be decided and could be adapted to potential sponsors’ requirements.

He added: “This idea of this is to promote Pendle and Ribble Valley and put us on the map with people who love cycling. If we are going to stand out from the crowd then we need to use the topography we have.”

The £100,000 being provided by Pendle was going to be used to introduce free wi-fi in the like of Nelson, Colne and Barnoldswick town centres.

Council bosses have indicated they will approach former regeneration Brian Cookson, now international cycling union president, for advice on advancing plans for the East Lancashire stage of the tour.

Promoters Sweet Spot had sought pledges from both Pendle and Ribble Valley to meet a deadline this week. The tour is televised, over eight days, and attracts around 120 elite cyclists.