LANCASHIRE’S new Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) could include as few as four East Lancashire representatives, it has emerged.

Details have emerged of how the 18-member board will shape up after the county LEP was finally rubber-stamped by the Government.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council leader Kate Hollern, aerospace boss Dennis Mendoros and East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce boss Mike Damms are all likely to be handed seats, businesses from the region could be disappointed.

So far, five of the six businesses offered roles – nuclear fuels firm Westinghouse, BT, outsourcing company Enterprise, supermarket Booths and Blackpool Tower operator Merlin – are all based near Preston or Blackpool.

BAE Systems is also likely to join the board, although its Warton plant on the Fylde coast employs more people than its Samlesbury base in South Ribble.

East Lancashire will be offered a business seat and it is understood that could be given to a boss from a Blackburn, Darwen or Hyndburn firm.

The board, which decides on Government grant bids and economic policy, will be chaired by a private sector representative.

The LEP, formed last week after months of political rows, will make a huge positive impact on the county’s economy, according to the county council leader.

The LEP includes every part of the county after ministers rejected applications based on smaller areas.

Coun Geoff Driver said: “We want to work with business to protect and create tens of thousands of new jobs in Lancashire over the next decade."