THE Labour Party has hit out at plans to create town councils in Nelson and Colne.

Opposition councillors have called on residents to shun the plan which they claim would create an unnecessary extra tier of local government.

Leader of the group, Coun Mohammed Iqbal, said he had written Secretary of State for communities and local government Ruth Kelly to confirm town councils would not be set up if there was enough opposition.

He said: "Residents in Nelson and Colne need to think about the duplication of services in terms of planning.

"Important decisions made by Nelson and Colne councillors could be taken away and totally unnecessary and time-consuming clashes could be caused if new town councils are formed.

"This has been highlighted in the past when town councils such as Barrowford have wanted one thing but Pendle Council has overruled them."

A panel of councillors was set up to scrutinise the process of setting up town councils.

Members have taken part in tours of the towns to get the opinion of residents.

Chairman of the panel, Coun Tonia Barton claimed many residents backed the plans.

The council will now write to households in Nelson and Colne asking for residents' official views.

If backed by residents and approved by Mrs Kelly the new councils would come into effect in April 2008.