PENDLE Liberal Democrats say they will not fight the council by-election in Marsden because they cannot mount a campaign strong enough to win it.

They blame Labour for calling the election at the beginning of August, a time when many Liberal activists are away on holiday.

Lib Dem chairman Alan Davies admitted the move was 'very unusual'.

Party spokesman Tony Greaves said Marsden was probably the weakest ward for the party, and Mr Davies said: "We have come to the view that simply going through the motions and putting a name on the ballot paper and doing little else is not worthwhile."

He vowed that the party would be back with a vengeance at future by-elections in Marsden.

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