DEFIANT gas company bosses today underlined their long-term commitment to Burnley and declared: "We will not be driven out."

The pledge by Alta Gas chiefs came after Burnley councillors backed Briercliffe residents by refusing to sell the bottled gas firm extra land on the Heasandford industrial estate, where it is has its local base, to allow it to build new headquarters on the site in a £2million investment.

Company spokesman Harry Sutton said the firm would now have to review its plans for the site, which would have included creation of 40 new jobs, in light of the regeneration committee's decision.

But in a statement following a hostile campaign by Lydgate estate residents, the Merseyside-based national company said: "Alta Gas is committed to Burnley and under no circumstances will we be driven out."

About 40 residents packed into a town hall committee room, handed in a 650-name petition opposing the land sale and voiced their opposition to councillors, highlighting their fears for the safety of residents in the event of a fire or explosion at the plant.

They applauded after council leader Stuart Caddy announced councillors had decided not to sell the land.

But today Mr Sutton -- who this week slammed opponents who had warned of an explosion which could destroy most of Burnley, for whipping up an hysterical reaction -- said he could not believe the decision.

"I think it is obviously political and comes in sharp contrast to the welcome we have had for our plans in other towns, which have been very helpful." He said he could not believe the opinions of a minority group could drive the decisions of a council representing 90,000 people.

He added the company was not asking to expand its existing gas capacity, the Health and Safety Executive had ruled there was little or no danger from the firm's activity, it was offering a £2million investment, a sizeable amount of money for the land and the promise of more secure jobs. "Most towns would welcome this," he added.

Residents' group spokesman Marisa Walker, confirmed residents were celebrating the committee decision, but refused further comment.

Coun Caddy said it had not been an easy decision to make and thanked residents for the way they had put forward their arguments to councillors.

He agreed the decision would not prevent the company carrying out its business or applying to extend its gas supply business on the existing site.

Independent Group leader Harry Brooks, who spoke in support of residents, called on councillors to remove the sword of Damocles hanging over residents.