AN outgoing council leader said she had 'grave concerns' over the future of Blackburn with Darwen as her party was officially cast into opposition.

Coun Kate Hollern worried about the inexperience of some councillors handed top jobs in the new ruling coalition formed by the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and the For Darwen Party.

But the coalition, which was voted into power at last night's annual meeting, countered that their inexperience would 'stand them in good stead' because they would listen to advice from officials.

It is the first time that Labour has not been in power for 24 years.

And the coalition has already announced a series of radical policy reviews, including the possible reintroduction of weekly bin collections.

Other items in their manifesto are reviews of the proposed £9million Darwen Leisure Centre, the £34million Darwen Academy, traffic systems in both towns and the housing market renewal scheme.

During last night's meeting Labour tried to delay the ratification of the new administration by attempting to amend the list of nominations to the executive board, but was out-voted each time.

Coun Hollern said: "With the inexperience on that slate I have grave concerns about the future of the borough."

She said the borough was to see huge investment in schemes like the £150million Building Schools for the Future, the academy, Darwen leisure centre, and the £60million revamp of the shopping centre in Blackburn and she hoped these would continue.

The deputy leader of the council and executive member for resources, Coun Michael Lee, responded: "Perhaps our inexperience will stand us in good stead because we have some good officers in this authority and maybe we will listen a bit more."

After the meeting, council leader Tory Coun Colin Rigby said: "We are excited but a bit appre-hensive.

"We will stand together and the interests of the borough are paramount."

Deputy council leader and Lib Dem chief Coun David Foster said: "We are looking forward to the challenge.

"Yes we are inexperienced, but we will bring fresh eyes to the situation."

For Darwen leader Coun Tony Melia added: "Being from such different backgrounds will be a source of strength."