A WAR of words has erupted after a Hyndburn councillor announced his plans to leave the Labour group and become an Independent.

Malcolm Pritchard, 57, who has represented the Milnshaw ward of Accrington since 2002, is to step down as a Labour councillor today.

And he cited differences with group leader Councillor Graham Jones as the main reason for his decision.

He said: "I have been fed up with the party for a long time.

"I have been disillusioned for the last five to six months with what is going on in the borough and things have now come to a head.

"I have always said that I am in it for the people and I am not interested in trying to score brownie points for one side or the other.

"I will remain as councillor for the Milnshaw ward and I will not be changing my ways whatsoever."

Councillor Pritchard, of Moss Hall Road, Accrington, will become the third Independent currently sitting on Hyndburn Council.

He will join former Labour councillor Dave Parkins of Huncoat, who gained a seat as an Independent earlier this year, and Councillor Nick Collingridge of Clayton-le-Moors.

Councillor Jones said: "It is very sad it has come to this as Malcolm is a very hard-working councillor who is dedicated to his residents, but it is like having a star striker who is unhappy with the team.

"I wish him all the best as an Independent councillor.

"But from our point of view I would stress I expect teamwork and dedication to the Labour group.

"We will come down hard on those who don't want to engage in team spirit. I am not a fan of Independent councillors as they are generally selfish and cannot work with others.

"Malcolm has made a big mistake and he has let down a lot of people who voted for Labour policies."

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "It is not really for me to comment on the workings of the opposition group and I will respect the decision that Councillor Pritchard has made.

"He is a very hard-working councillor and I trust he will continue to represent his residents in that vein.

"I would say it shows there is a problems of leadership within the Labour group and I feel they are in crisis. The opposition needs to sort itself out."

l Former Labour leader David Myles, who represents Altham, has announced he will not be standing at the elections in May next year.

Councillor Myles, who has sat on the council for six years, said he planned to study to become a teacher at Lancaster University.