HARD pressed working mens clubs in Hyndburn have again been knocked back in a long-running battle for discretionary rate relief.

The council's policy and resources committee said that the authority simply could not afford up to £40,000 to extend rate relief to social clubs.

Tory leader Coun Peter Britcliffe attacked the decision, accusing the ruling Labour group of dealing "most shabbily" with working men's clubs.

He was rounded on by council leader George Slynn who told him: "Given the seriousness of the council's finances and need for major economies, I find it unbelievable that anyone would be talking so generously about the public purse."

Coun Britcliffe said it would not cost £40,000 because the council would get most of it back from the government and the clubs had agreed to recompense the authority. "What we are looking at here is the imagination and the will to help social clubs which provide a valuable facility for the people of Hyndburn," added Coun Britcliffe.

Coun Bill Goldsmith said it would be totally unfair to pick out one part of the business, when pubs were also having it rough.

Coun Sheelagh Delaney said the LVA could draw up a list of public houses performing exactly the same functions as working mens clubs.

Coun Len Dickinson said: "I would propose it tomorrow if it was possible.

"It breaks my heart that we are unable to help the working mens clubs who do a great job but there is no way this authority can provide the necessary funding," he added.

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