RIBBLE VALLEY has pulled out of the flagship Pennine Lancashire scheme— with bosses saying the area ‘doesn’t have much in common’ with their neighbouring councils.

Council bosses re-branded East Lancashire with the new title in 2007 and hoped it could help transform perceptions of the area and attract more investment.

But Ribble Valley council leader Michael Ranson said that the authority had decided to cut its ties with the Regenerate Pennine Lancashire group as little regeneration money had been earmarked for his his borough.

He said the scheme focused on regeneration of deprived urban communities, while the more affluent Ribble Valley needing to tackle affordable housing and other rural issues.

Other council leaders said they understood and respected the Ribble Valley’s decision.

Coun Ranson said: “Whilst Ribble Valley isn't immune from its own problems it is difficult to see much common ground with our East Lancashire neighbours.

"Our Pennine Lancashire neighbours undoubtedly have major regeneration problems in their areas.

“They are former mill towns fighting for survival and we are aiming to secure private sector funding for our challenges of rural deprivation, isolation and affordable housing."

Coun Ranson said the council's decision was prompted by the coalition Government's withdrawal of the Multi-Area Agreement scheme.

The project, spearheaded by the previous Labour Government, promised £20million worth of funding for East Lancashire projects.

But the agreement was shelved by the Conservative-led coalition with funds being re-allocated.

Coun Ranson added: “The agreement to all intents and purposes was dead and we did not see an awful lot of point in continuing our membership.

"And even when the agreement was still on the cards, out of the millions of pounds destined for East Lancashire, only £25,000 was earmarked for regeneration projects in our borough.”

The council is now planning to secure funding as part of Lancashire’s newest regeneration body, the county-wide Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Burnley MP Gordon Birtwistle said: “The Ribble Valley is a very prosperous area.

“Regenerate Pennine Lancashire means exactly what it says on the tin, so the money has been spent regenerating Hyndburn, Burnley, Blackburn, Pendle and Rossendale.

“I can understand where Ribble Valley Council are coming from.

"I don't think it's an issue at all because the Ribble Valley doesn't need regenerating.”

Charlie Briggs, leader of Burnley council, said: "It is very sad but I hope that it will be business as usual.

"We will have to pick up the pieces and get on with it bringing investment into East Lancashire."

Dennis Mendoros, chairman of Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, said: "It is very sad that the Ribble Valley has decided to leave and I respect their decision and we will continue to move forward."