COUNCIL bosses and readers have responded to yesterday’s fresh call for Darwen to split from Blackburn.

Sudell Ward Councillor Jane Oates said in response to Lib Dem group leader Cllr David Foster’s claim that they were preparing to break with Blackburn:“There’s no way it will happen. It’s purely political, it just will not happen.

“We just had a full boundary conference where they sorted out the new wards so they know it’s not going to happen. They are just saying it to wind up the Darwen people.”

Lancashire Telegraph reader Scooby said: “The LibDem councillors are honestly nuts.

“They blame everything on Blackburn/Blackburn with Darwen Council without looking at the bigger picture.

“Small towns aren’t retail hubs anymore, just look at other places in East Lancs like Accrington.

“Big name companies won’t invest and shops and market stalls close because people just don’t use them.”

Darwen Mayor, Roy Davies said:” I agree that it’s time to split. We are treated like second class citizens.

“You only have to look at the way they are spending money in Blackburn, with no thought for us. The next step would be to put the finances in place.

“We need to have an agreement with Blackburn with Darwen Council that says when we take a service over we get the money that is being spent on it.

“If we are going to have a successful transition there needs to be good faith on both sides. I don’t believe Blackburn will help with the transition.”

BB3 said: “Other than use of the hospital and the very basic amenities, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council provides me with little.

“They can’t even find a yearly contingency budget to maintain Darwen’s children’s playgrounds.

“It’s the little things like this which create valid animosity when the council can’t even buy the kids a swing, but don’t hesitate in squandering vast amounts of money subsidising artificial businesses in Blackburn on a whim.”

BobCarolgees agreed saying: “Do a referendum and ask the people of Darwen what they want.

“Only the will of the people should decide, not some self serving politician.

S_Smith said: “ I would agree that the management of the market should be devolved locally. But if the Town Council expects to see pro-rata funding for the additional services it wants to take on, the residents of the town should expect to see a massive hike in their precept.”