A FORMAL complaint is being considered over the conduct of a councillor who was ordered out of a "clear the air" meeting about the future of the Prairie playing fields in Burnley.

Independent Andrew Holder protested at controversial proposals to sell the fields and was asked to leave the meeting between councillors and local football league officials at Burnley Town Hall. When things became heated he was told an attendant would be called to take him out.

Coun Holder later admitted being "rather naughty" and threatening to "have" a piece of the anatomy of council leader Stuart Caddy.

After the meeting Coun Caddy said he was considering making a formal complaint. He said: "He stormed into a private meeting to which he was not invited. Members of the public were really embarrassed when he started ranting and raving. He also made a personal remark towards me." After the meeting Coun Holder said: "I went thinking it was an open meeting for councillors and people with an interest in what was happening at the Prairie.

"Why was it just the Labour group was there, as usual? Don't they want any opposition councillors so that, as usual, they can get over their propaganda?

"I was asked to leave the meeting and was then rather naughty when I threatened to have his *****. I admit I was a bit outspoken but what is the big secret, what is the big cover up?

"If they are capable of selling off the council houses then they are certainly capable of selling off the Prairie playing fields. It is another commercial capital venture and again, as a socialist, something I am totally against."

The controversy over the Prairie fields at Windermere Avenue has caused a flood of complaints from local football leagues and local residents.

A 2,500-name petition was handed to the council. One proposal under consideration is that the land should be sold to Calder Vale and Belvedere sports club.

Yesterday's private meeting was to try to find a solution.

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