Darwen councillor barred from pub after altercation with family member (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Darwen councillor barred from pub after altercation with family member

3:21pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News

A BOROUGH councillor was ejected out of a pub and barred after an altercation with a family member.

Coun Stephanie Brookfield was asked to leave by the management at the Alexandra Hotel, Hindle Street, Darwen, after the incident at the weekend.

Coun Brookfield was elected to represent the Earcroft ward in the local elections in May.

She sits on both Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Darwen Town Council.

Coun Brookfield has apologised for the incident. She said: “On Saturday evening I was out with family and friends when, unfortunately, a domestic incident occurred.

“I am deeply sorry and embarrassed and have apologised to all concerned.”

Alexandra landlady Lynne Crowther said: “Following an incident on Saturday evening, a woman was removed from the premises and subsequently barred.

“At the time, I was unaware of her identity.

“We have a duty of care to our staff and customers.

“The woman has been back to deliver an apology, along with a card and flowers. Although this was appreciated, the ban still remains.”

Coun Kate Hollern, Blackburn with Darwen Council leader and Labour chief, said: “Stephanie has informed me she was involved in a domestic argument on Saturday night and I have invited her in to discuss the issue.”

Since being elected, Coun Brookfield has been on the committee of the Crown Paints and Darwen Town Council Community Awards, which hands out grants to deserving groups with a BB3 postcode.

She has also signed up to join members of Darwen youth football club Darwen Spartans on a charity trip to Gambia next year, which she will fund herself.