THE leader of Darwen Town Council hit out at ‘petty politics’ as he announced his intention to step down from the role.

Coun Steve Duncan will not be seeking re-election in May, and neither will Marsh House Councillor Joan Helliwell.

Coun Duncan, who became leader in August after Coun Trevor Maxfield stood down, said: “I’m 60 in February and I don’t want to be doing this until I’m 64/65.

“I have four grandchildren now whereas I only had two when the council was formed in 2009.

“The demands of being council leader, chair of finance and attending meetings is conflicting with my business and I want to spend more time with my family.”

He added: “Sadly politics has crept back into Darwen Town Council.

"People are trying to force it to be a mini-Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, but it’s never going to be.

“There’s a lot of petty politics going on.”

Coun Helliwell will step down on health grounds.

Coun Brenda Cronshaw who represents the Sunnyhurst ward said: “I’m devastated that we’re losing Steve. It is a big loss to the council.

“He runs the meetings extremely well and keeps order.

"He’s also worked high up in big businesses and brings that knowledge.

"But no-one can blame him for wanting to spend more time with his family.”

In order to give other councillors experience of the roles before next year’s shake-up, it has been agreed that Coun Duncan will step down immediately as chair of the finance committee, as will Coun Cronshaw who chairs the communities committee, and Coun Helliwell who chairs the development committee.