SPARKS and accusations flew among councillors over the possible sell-off of Hyndburn Transport.

Conservative leader, Councillor Peter Britcliffe, claimed debate about the future of the bus company had been "shrouded in secrecy".

But Labour leader, Councillor George Slynn, rounded on Councillor Britcliffe, accusing him of misleading the public.

Labour colleague, Councillor Len Dickinson, said he was tired of "insinuations of foul play".

Councillor Britcliffe claimed he had been unable to brief all the opposition group without a copy of the chief executive's report on the business affairs of the company. The confidential council documents were collected from councillors after a behind-closed-doors meeting of the policy and resources committee which appointed consultants to report on options for the future of the company.

Councillor Britcliffe added: "It was whisked through. I could not explain the papers because I had not had long enough to look at the documents."

The opposition leader called for a panel of six Labour members and two other councillors to discuss the future of Hyndburn Transport, but his amendment was defeated by the ruling Labour group.

Councillor Slynn said a report would come back to the policy and resources committee for consideration.

Councillor Sheelagh Delaney said: "We are going through a democratic process and at the same time we are protecting commercial interests.

"What we are doing is in the best interests of the public and the best interests of workers."

Councillor Dave Massey said any member of the Tory group could have gone to the chief executive and looked at the papers.

He added: "I don't understand what all the fuss is about."

The Mayor, Councillor Jean Battle, said "nothing funny was going on". Any member had a right to the information.

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