PENDLE has called for talks with Burnley council to "safeguard the future" of employees of the up-for-sale bus company.

The Liberal Democrats who are steering a course to sell their stake in Burnley and Pendle Transport - jointly owned by both councils - say they can go ahead on four offers received with or without Burnley who are currently opposing any sale.

But they say it is vital for the sake of the workforce that a meeting is held and agreements made.

Pendle spokesman Coun Tony Greaves said: "We can go ahead and sell out 50 per cent share in the company with or without Burnley and the meeting is not to get them to change their mind.

"But to safeguard the interests of the employees, we need the co-operation of Burnley.

"If they are not prepared to talk to us we will not be able to safeguard or promote the interests of employees," he added.

"They have always said they only have the interests of the workforce at heart.

"If they refuse to meet us, their hypocrisy will be clear."

Pendle could lose big money if, at the end of the day, Burnley refuse to join them in a sale.

Coun Greaves refused all comment on suggestions that it was now clear that private firm bidders would pay far more pro-rata for the entire firm - valued at up to £4 million - than for just a 50 per cent share which would bring with it a council partner likely to be hostile to cuts in services or manpower.

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