CAMPAIGNERS are calling for special council meeting to consider a vote of no confidence in its leader.

The Clitheroe Residents Action Group i(CRAG) is seeking 2,000 signatures for a Facebook petition accusing Ribble Valley Borough boss Ken Hind of 'lack of communication' over the future regeneration of the town's market.

Its social media post also refers to the recent resignation of five councillors from the ruling Tory group to work as Democratic Conservatives.

It says: "If Cllr Hind’s own colleagues have no faith in his leadership ability how can local residents trust him to deliver a suitable plan for Clitheroe market and town centre? We have decided on this action due to RVBC’s reluctance to put their plans in the public domain."

CRAG hopes the petition will trigger a special council debate on Cllr Hind's position.

Cllr Hind said: "We have no plan to make public because no plan has been finalised. When we have one to put in the public domain we will do so.

"It is not a matter of confidence in my leadership because I am not taking the decisions. The borough has a committee system and the decisions are being taken by the Policy and Finance Committee and the Full Council."

CRAG chairman Steve Rush said yesterday that more than 400 people had signed the petition within the first 14 hours.