WELL-KNOWN local businessman John Broughton is the newest member of Barnoldswick Town Council.

He was co-opted at the council's full meeting this week to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of James Wilson, due to work commitments.

Mr Broughton, of Kelbrook Road, was one of four candidates who expressed interest in joining the town council. The others were Jennifer Purcell, of Gisburn Road, Philip Given, also of Gisburn Road, and Marlene Hill-Crane, of Wellhouse Street.

Town councillors faced a tough choice after conducting brief interviews with each of the candidates, but Mr Broughton was chosen by a show of hands.

Already well-known in the town, Mr Broughton ran Broughton's Compressors, on Kelbrook Road, and has also worked in a variety of other jobs, including a taxi driver.

Now semi-retired, he is also a member and past-president of the Rotary Club of Barnoldswick and Earby, having served on and chaired most of its committees.

Mr Broughton told members he now had time to devote to the town council and was used to dealing with people.

"I reckon I can do the job," he said. "There's not many jobs I can't do in this world if I put my mind to it."

Coun David Whipp asked the same question of all four candidates: "If you could wave a magic wand, what one thing would you change in Barnoldswick?"

"Come out of Pendle" replied Mr Broughton, without hesitation. He added that was perhaps unrealistic, but told members: "I think Barnoldswick gets a rough deal from Pendle in many ways and I'd like to alter that."

Being involved in sport, he was particularly keen to make sure Barnoldswick Sports Hall gets a fair deal under the new Leisure Trust arrangements.

Other answers to Coun Whipp's "magic wand" question included bringing more employment to the town, establishing a purpose-built and modern centre for the town's elderly people to use, and making the town a cleaner and tidier place.

Earlier in the meeting, members heard another town councillor had resigned. Coun Angela Hinchcliffe said she had found it increasingly difficult to devote the necessary time and effort to her role as a town councillor.

Unfortunately, members were unable to co-opt two new members, as there is a set procedure to follow.

Local electors have a limited period from the date that the new vacancy is posted to call an election and put forward nominations. If there were more than one nomination, an election would be held.

If no election is called, the town council is free to co-opt a new member.