A councillor has been "hounded out" of her seat after a row over allowances claimed while she lives in Oxfordshire, it has been claimed.

Coun Ann Scaife resigned from her Rishton seat on Hyndburn Borough Council on Tuesday night amid controversy that she was still receiving instalments of the annual £4,000 councillors' allowance, despite not living in the borough.

Conservative Coun Scaife, former environment portfolio holder, temporarily moved to Oxfordshire in April to care for her sick daughter.

However, at Tuesday's council meeting Labour Coun Malcolm Pritchard claimed that the move had become permanent and that Coun Scaife, a councillor for the past six years, was now working as a driving instructor in Oxfordshire.

It was also suggested that she was still collecting her allowance despite not fully dedicating her time to Rishton residents.

Conservative Council leader Peter Britcliffe then announced Coun Scaife's resignation and hit back saying that Coun Pritchard had stabbed her in the back'.

Coun Britcliffe added: "You have hounded Coun Scaife from this council."

In a statement Coun Scaife said she had intended to return to Rishton in September. But she continued: "It is becoming evident that I will have to spend longer here than I expected and I am unable to return to Rishton at the present time.

"In the circumstances I feel that in fairness to the people I represent I should stand down."

Speaking after the meeting, Coun Pritchard said: "I have a great respect for Ann Scaife, but the people of Rishton deserved better than what they were getting."

Coun Britcliffe countered: "During this time Coun Scaife has carried on her work and has been making fortnightly visits, for which she has incurred considerable expense."