A LABOUR councillor has resigned and will now stand as an independent on Burnley Council after disagreements over funding.

Howard Baker, 67, who was first elected in Trinity ward in 2006 has stepped down from the Labour group after a £50,000 grant to install a new kitchen at Burnley Mechanics was approved.

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The council will fund the initial outlay for the kitchen, with the money being repaid over the next five years by the Burnley Leisure Trust, which now operates the Mechanics.

Since taking over the venue the trust has sought to widen its remit which has resulted in a new kitchen.

Cllr Baker, who was executive member for finances and resources, said: “As of Tuesday I stood down from my position as a Labour councillor and will be standing for Trinity as an Independent.

“This is because I do not believe that the council’s purchase of the equipment and its free loan to a commercial company is in the best interests of the majority of people in Burnley.

“This equipment should be purchased either by the trust or by the catering company, it should not be purchased by the council.

“This use of public borrowing to finance a commercial venture cannot in my opinion be justified, nor can it be said to represent value for money for the people of the borough.”

“We have already asked residents in my ward to pay extra with the reduction in Council Tax Support.

“We don’t have the right to take this money and pass it to the Leisure Trust.”

Cllr Baker said the resignation didn’t change his political beliefs.

He said: “I’m still Labour at heart and will still be carrying out my duties .”