CONTROL of Hyndburn Council remains on a knife edge, with the Conservatives retaining their one-seat majority.

The Tories stayed on 18 seats and Labour lost one from its total while a new independent cand-idate took the Huncoat ward.

Dave Parkins, who retired as a Labour councillor last year, regained his former seat with the promise of serving the people of Huncoat with as much enthusiasm as he had done in the past.

Ousting Labour coun-cillor Brendan Shiel from his seat, Mr Parkins said: "I am back where I belong."

Labour stalwart Lesley Jackson lost her seat to Tory newcomer Stanley Horne, and Conservative councillor Mohammed Kazi Siddique lost to Labour's Mohammed Ayub.

The Conservatives now hold 18 seats, Labour 15 and there are two independent councillors.

Returning council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "This has been a tremendous night.

"Nationally Hyndburn has been one of the key seats targeted by the Labour government.

"They have thrown everything but the kitchen sink at it, but we have come through triumphant.

"I am delighted with the result."

Coun Britcliffe paid tribute to his "little terrier" Jean Lockwood, who retained her Immanuel seat.

He said: "She is dedicated to the people and they have repaid her."

Tory Coun Paul Barton retained Barnfield ward despite taking several months out from duty through ill health.

He said: "Residents want to know they can phone a councillor at 2am and they will pick up the phone."

Deputy mayor Janet Storey retained her Clayton seat with 666 votes and said: "It may be the mark of the beast but it is good news for me."

The retirement of Tory Jim Dickinson left the Baxenden seat up for grabs and it was claimed by new Conservative councillor Kathleen Pratt.

Labour group leader Graham Jones said: "The problem we faced was third parties entering the race and taking the focus away from us.

"National issues have also not been in our favour."

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, Labour, added: "We will dust ourselves off and come back fighting next year."