A CAMPAIGN group has challenged a key councillor to show her true colours over a controversial issue gripping Huncoat.
Members of Huncoat Voice strongly oppose plans for a waste recycling centre to be built on the site of the old power station in the village.
Throughout last year, residents staged protests, signed a petition and lobbied councillors about the proposal.
But now they are stepping up their fight by challenging County Councillor Jean Battle to put forward her views.
At the moment, the plans are in the hands of Lancashire County Council, which will make a recomendation to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister which will make the final decision.
On their website - www.opposehuncoatplan.co.uk - campaigners have challenged Councillor Battle, whose Accrington South constituency includes Huncoat, to say what she thinks.
They have even given a direct link to Councillors Battle's own website, so campaigners can find out about her policies and even drop her an e-mail.
The website reads: "County Councillor Jean Battle has not attended any of the recent meetings - she claims she had more important matters to attend to.
"I am sure that residents will forgive her by the time the next elections come round and will again vote her into office - NOT!
"Come on Jean, make it clear, are you with us or against us? We have the right to know!"
Councillor Battle said: "Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but what the group has resorted to does make me feel very sad because they did not ask me about it beforehand.
"I would love to tell them whether or not I support this application, but the truth is I haven't even made up my own mind yet.
"Any councillor has to keep an open mind and be aware there are two sides to every debate.
"I do not think it is appropriate for me to attend protests, but it is important for people to understand that, while I sit on Lancashire County Council, I will not be voting on this issue because it does not come under my remit."
She added: "I have attended the vast majority of Huncoat Area Council meetings since it formed five years ago. I have missed a few due to my own illness or meeting clashes.
"I missed the last Huncoat Area Council meeting because I was at a meeting with people whose houses were being demolished, which I thought was more important."
