TORIES have warned two East Lancashire Labour MPs that their worst fears have been realised after voters in a new ward returned three Conservative councillors.

Blackburn MP Jack Straw and Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson said they did not want Blackburn with Darwen Council's Fernhurst ward to be put in their seats by a boundary review.

But at council elections last week three Conservatives, John Raseta, Harold Slater and Jaqueline Slater, were elected to serve the ward.

Graham Carter, a Green Party candidate, polled more votes than Labour's best performer.

The Boundary Commission is conducting a review to ensure Lancashire MPs represent equal numbers of voters and has recommended the ward be included in Rossendale and Darwen.

Both Mr Straw and Mrs Anderson were accused by opposition politicians of trying to get rid of an area filled with Conservative supporters.

Fernhurst straddles the Blackburn and Darwen border and takes in parts of Lower Darwen, Ewood and Earcroft and includes a large new housing estate where homes sell for more than £100,000.

But a public inquiry has been held and the ward could be shunted back to the Foreign Secretary, who wrote to local members to say putting Fernhurst in Blackburn could, "have major disadvantages".

Colin Rigby, Conservative leader at Blackburn with Darwen Council said Fernhurst voters were dismayed by the attitude of the Labour MPs. He added: "They both realise, because of the make-up of the ward, neither would be likely to get many votes there. Janet Anderson will also be concerned that Rossendale and Darwen is likely to be a marginal seat again at the next general election."

The Commission heard evidence and representations, including some from Mr Straw, when the inquiry was held at county hall in Preston.

Mr Straw and Ms Anderson said they did not want the ward and claimed it had a natural affinity with the other's area. Labour councillors in Rossendale also objected to the Commission's proposal.

The Boundary Commission said its finding would be presented late next month. A spokesman said: "There is more than one review active at the moment and the Commission has lots of evidence and representations to sift through before reaching its verdict."

Mr Straw was today unavailable Ms Anderson refused to comment.