WESTHOUGHTON Town Council has voted not to receive councillors' allowances under a new government regulation.

The government has altered the rules, which now enables town and parish councillors to receive allowances and pension schemes.

But the town council unanimously voted against any such scheme.

Cllr Brian Clare said: "I think that we take enough money from the public. We should not start charging more."

The town council felt that it was inappropriate because of the small size of the council and that all meetings are in the evening.