THE man who forced Burnley Council to hold a referendum on a directly-elected mayor has vowed to do the same in Blackburn with Darwen after it extended its selective licensing of landlords.

Geoffrey Berg was accused of ‘blackmail and making threats’ when he warned the borough that he would make the move if it renewed and widened the scheme in Darwen.

On Thursday, the authority’s executive board approved the new scheme and extended it to cover not just Sudell ward but also parts of Marsh House, Earcroft and Sunnyhurst.

Mr Berg, from Prestwich, who owns homes to rent in both Darwen and Burnley, confirmed yesterday he will now press ahead with a petition calling for a mayoral referendum in Blackburn with Darwen after the vote on the issue in Burnley on May 4.

The 61-year-old once again dismissed the claims he was abusing the legislation for his own ends.

Burnley MP Julie Cooper is seeking to raise the issue on the floor of the House of Commons with local government secretary Sajid Javid.

Her Blackburn Labour colleague Kate Hollern has put down a written parliamentary question and sent a letter to the cabinet minister questioning whether Mr Berg’s actions are an appropriate use of the legislation.

Darwen resident Tariq Hassan, from Crewdson Street, objected to the new scheme, warning it would increase rents for tenants.

Tory councillor Imtiaz Ali echoed that warning and told the meeting: “The buy-to-let market will disappear or be seriously crippled. “

Neighbourhoods boss Cllr Arshid Mahmood told him: “This scheme will improve things for vulnerable tenants, good landlords and residents of the area in general.”

Mr Berg said: “I will proceed with the petition necessary to call a referendum on an elected mayor in Blackburn with Darwen in due course after the vote in Burnley.

“It is legal and appropriate to pursue this process to try and stop thousands of homes being devalued by such schemes.”

Each referendum is estimated to cost £80,000.

The two councils believe the overall price tag of the proposed new Mayor and his office at £240,000 over two years.

Deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council Phil Riley said: “We took out decision and it is up to Mr Berg what he now does.”

Mark Townsend,leader of Burnley council.said: “It is an abuse of the legislation and I hope Mr Javid does something about it.”