HYNDBURN MP Graham Jones has thrown his weight behind a new Pennine Lancashire all-purpose super-council despite the doubts of borough leader Cllr Miles Parkinson.

Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick is considering the plan to merge Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Pendle, Hyndburn and Rossendale into a single authority.

Yesterday the Cabinet minister received a letter signed by Cllr Mohammed Khan, Labour leader of Blackburn with Darwen, and Cllr John Slater, leader of its Tory opposition group, urging him to press ahead.

Mr Jones has written similar letter to Mr Jenrick.

Cllr Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn, said: "I still have personal reservations. I am not sure now is the time for a major and expensive shake-up of local government in East Lancashire."

Mr Jones said: "Miles takes a different personal view. It’s good to have debate however the overwhelming majority believe we should get to the next step."

Pendle now opposes the plan while Burnley will tonight debate withdrawal.