CONSERVATIVES on Blackburn with Darwen Council will oppose plans for it to build a new cinema in the borough and battle to bring back weekly bin collections.

Their group leader Cllr John Slater has pledged to make these top priorities as he committed to party to firmly holding the re-elected Labour administration to account over its spending.

He also repeated the group's wish to abolish the £116,000-a-year plus post of deputy chief executive held by Denise Park as part of cash saving proposals.

Cllr Slater spoke as he confirmed his new front-bench team after the Conservatives secured 13 councillors out of 51 in May 3's all-out elections on new ward boundaries.

He appointed retiring Mayor Cllr Collin Rigby back to the post of resources spokesman he held before his year of office.

The Conservative group's deputy leaders will be Cllr Denise Gee with a floating portfolio and Cllr Derek Hardman responsible for regeneration.

Cllr Paul Marrow will deal with environment, Cllr Jean Rigby culture and leisure, Cllr Jacquie Slater adult social care, Cllr Julie Daley children's services and education, and Julie Slater neighbourhoods.

The appointments were reported to last night's council annual meeting which confirmed Labours Cllr Pat McFall as Mayor for 2018/19 and appointed her party colleague Cllr Jim Shorrock as her deputy.

Conservative group leader Cllr Slater said: "The borough should not be paying to build a new cinema when the boss of Vue has said Blackburn isn't big enough for two of them.

"We shall hold Labour to account for their spending and try to ensure Darwen gets it fair share which it doesn't at the moment, We have a costed plan to bring back weekly bin collections to help combat fly-tipping."

Labour's deputy leader and resources boss Cllr Andy Kay said: "The Conservatives do not understand local government finance. The cinema is about ensuring income for the future and Denise Park is a knowledgeable and capable office. I am looking forward to having Cllr Rigby back opposite me."

Cllr Slater said: "The council should not be borrowing millions of pounds to build a cinema. If KC Suri and Reel Cinemas want to build one, they should pay for it."