A FRESH threat has emerged to the staging of Colne’s award-winning international rhythm and blues festival – with promoters insisting someone should shoulder the burden in future.

Bosses at Pendle Leisure Trust are faced with making estimated cuts of £320,000, from its £1.8 million budget for 2016-17, and have earmarked a withdrawal from the Great British R&B Festival.

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Liberal Democrat councillor Tony Greaves said the authority had been told, during a meeting with the leisure trust, that the move would also save it £74,000 in staff costs.

He said that “everything should be done” to ensure the survival of the festival, in consultation with various partners, however it was funded.

Council leader Mohammed Iqbal said: “ The one thing we need to ensure is that the rhythm and blues festival is delivered to the people of Pendle and beyond, whether or not it is organised by the leisure trust.”

Phil Storey, the leisure trust’s chief executive, said: “Yet again Pendle Leisure Trust has been asked to contribute to the council’s savings for 2016/17. Obviously, we have to look at each and every one of our options and offer suggestions for the council to consider.

“One of these options is The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival. Contrary to popular belief, the staging of the festival actually incurs a cost and financial risk to the trust .

“We fully understand the benefits of the festival to many people and organisations and it should be understood that the trust has no desire to either stop or close any of its events or facilities.

“Unfortunately the authority does find itself under financial pressures placed upon it.”

The issue will now be further debated at talks on November 9 between the council, leisure trust and other key organisations involved with the festival.