A COUNCILLOR elected to serve the Larches and Savick ward in Preston has been disqualified from office after failing to attend meetings.

Liberal Democrat councillor John Willacy was kicked off the council last week after he failed to attend regular meetings.

According to council documents, councillor Willacy last appeared at a council meeting in May 2000 -- even though he collected more than £800 in councillors' basic allowance.

The Local Government Act (1972) states if a member of a council fails to attend any meetings within a six month rule, he or she will be disqualified from office.

Councillor Joe Fitzgerald, who sits as an independent for the Larches and Savick ward, has now launched an attack on the leader of Preston's Liberal Democrats, Bill Chadwick, for allowing the situation to happen. He said: "I can well understand that councillor Willacy may have had problems, but the problem should have been directed at his leader to act quickly to call for his resignation, rather than wait 12 months down the line.

"I feel that the leader of Preston's Liberal Democrats should address the people of Preston as to why one of his 'invisible' councillors, who was elected as a Lib Dem, has been able to be paid taxpayers money and not serve as he was elected to do so."

A spokesperson for Preston council, added: "The situation regarding councillor Willacy's disqualification will be addressed at a council meeting later this month." Mr Willacy offered no comment when he was contacted at his home in Clitheroe.

The disqualification will trigger a by-election in the Larches and Savick ward which will be held before the forthcoming May elections.