THE MAYOR of Darwen has been accused of ‘cheapening’ his chains by wearing them to a 40th birthday party.

Paul Browne brought the mayoral regalia to the party that was thrown for the wife of fellow Liberal Democrat councillor Martin McCaughran.

The move saw him criticised by For Darwen Party rival Tony Melia, who said the chains ‘belonged to Darwen people’ and should only be used for civic occasions.

But Coun Browne branded his comments ‘silly’, insisting the party was a non-political event.

He said: “There was nothing political in it whatsoever.

"If the Tories or Labour asked me to go to something, I would go.

"Anyway, I have already done a 50th and a 90th birthday in my time as mayor, so that shoots him down.

“I have not brought the mayor’s office into disrepute. I think he’s being silly.”

He insisted the town council’s insurance would cover the event.

Coun Melia said: “I am not impressed at all. The chains are owned by the people of Darwen, and they are not for private parties.

“I can understand for 100th birthday parties, but this is one Lib Dem helping out another. This just devalues the chains.”

Coun McCaughran said the mayor had been invited by his wife’s family to the party, at Darwen Conservative Club, on Saturday night.

He accused Coun Melia of being ‘picky’, adding: “He is trying to score political points.

"There are more important things to worry about.”