DARWEN residents today voiced their anger after a council mistake meant electoral registration forms were sent out classing them as part of Lower Darwen.

Hundreds of residents in the Earcroft ward were affected and Blackburn with Darwen Council has blamed the incident on an 'unfortunate' administrative error.

The forms, sent out last week, had to be filled in and returned for residents to appear on the electoral register.

The blunder has upset residents just one week after it was announced the M65 Services in Darwen would remain as 'Blackburn'.

Chris Moore, 20, who has lived on Redvers Road all his life, said: "When will they get it right? This is Darwen, not Lower Darwen and not Blackburn. They should know that by now and it's so annoying."

Graham Franklin, who has lived on Blackburn Road for 15 years, said: "I was surprised when I read that the address was Lower Darwen because it's simply not right. Things like this happen a lot where Darwen's concerned."

Reginald Hewer, of Hector Road, said: "I've been living here for 15 years and Darwen people are passionate about these issues and, as an outsider, it has affected me. It is very frustrating, just like the M65 Services."

Earcroft councillors said they agreed with the residents and would take it up with borough bosses.

Coun David Fenton said: "It's reminiscent of people spelling Darwen with an 'i' and it's a bad mistake.

"People are concerned that Darwen seems to be gradually losing its image since the town joined with Blackburn. It's Darwen, not Lower Darwen and people are right to be concerned."

Coun Mike Barrett said: "I have sympathy for Darwen people and I understand how they must feel. If they contact me directly I will gladly take this problem forward to the council."

Roy Davies, a campaigner for Darwen 'independence', said: "It's another example of Blackburn messing things up. They want us all together so Darwen won't matter any more."

Andy Docherty, Blackburn with Darwen's assistant director for legal and administrative services, said: "Unfortunately this was due to an administrative error and it has now been rectified.

"Any future reminders will now be sent out to the correct address and use Darwen rather than Lower Darwen."