A PROBE has been launched by a watchdog after complaints about bailiffs employed on behalf of Rossendale Borough Council.

Private contractor Capita, and its offshoot Equita, is responsible for administering the bailiff contract, a Rossendale full council meeting was told.

The authority is now working with the firm to ensure all its actions follow correct procedures.

The issue was highlighted when councillors were told the number of customer complaints to the council had increased from last year.

14 of the 20 gripes were handled by Rossendale CAB and four are being investigated by the Local Government Ombudsman.

Criics were angry that town hall officials appeared to be blaming the intervention of the CAB in highlighting concerns about an alleged heavy-handed approach by bailiffs.

Coun Amanda Robertson said: “We seem to be blaming the CAB, and that is their job.

"If they think a serious error has been made by the council or our contractors Capita, then we should apologise to them.”

Coun Alyson Barnes, Labour group leader, wondered if there had been any changes in procedures with the complaints to the Ombudsman.

Coun Darryl Smith, customer service cabinet member, said that three of the cases highlighted referred to the actions of bailiffs, adding: “We have just sent a formal response to the LGO.”