SENIOR Labour councillors in Hyndburn are demanding that the government match its latest £20million grant to Accrington with similar cash allocations to the rest of the borough's townships.

They want to see extra resources for Great Harwood, Oswaldtwistle, Church, Rishton, Clayton-le-Moors, and Altham

Joint Deputy Leader of Hyndburn Labour Group Cllr Melissa Fisher and Netherton ward Cllr Noordad Aziz have written to levelling up secretary Michael Gove demanding fair treatment for all areas within Hyndburn borough.

At the weekend Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced an extra £20 m each for Accrington, Darwen, Burnley and Nelson as part of a long-term plan for 55 'left-behind' towns nationwide.

The money is to be spent on local priorities such as reviving high streets, tackling anti-social behaviour, improving transport and growing the local economy.

Clayton-le-Moors ward's Cllr Fisher said 'While we appreciate the additional £20 million for Accrington, we are deeply concerned that the government has overlooked other townships in Hyndburn, engaging in pitting communities against each other.

" We firmly believe that the government must redress the tens of millions of pounds in funding cuts to Hyndburn Borough Council since 2010 and ensure fairness for everyone, from Great Harwood to Oswaldtwistle.

"We expected our MP, Sara Britcliffe, to advocate for the entire Hyndburn community, a responsibility she has failed to fulfill once again."

Cllr Aziz said: "As a county councillor representing Great Harwood, Rishton, Clayton le Moors and Altham, it's disheartening that the Tory MP has consistently neglected our outer townships and failed to lobby her government colleagues for the much-needed investment in our townships across Hyndburn.

"A missed opportunity ”

Miss Britcliffe said at the weekend: "“This new funding for Accrington is welcome news for residents across the town and we have now received an extra £20m on top of the £35m received since I was elected.

"I promised I would deliver in my pledge to get the funding we needed and I am pleased to see the biggest investment ever into our borough.

“I look forward to working with the local council and the government to help level up Accrington and all of our towns.”