BLACKBURN and District Model Aircraft Club has responded to a bid by Michael Parkinson to set up an alternative organisation.

The Pendle Drive resident, 72, is at the centre of a row with the club and the borough council over flying rights.

He faces removal from Pleasington playing fields by police if he flies his model aircraft there.

He asked for ‘ those individuals interested in the formation of a new flying club’ to contact him.

Mr Parkinson was refused membership of the BDMAC, which organises the sport in the borough, and banned from using the fields by the council in a dispute over its exclusive rights over who flies there.

BDMAC Secretary Kevin Watson issued a statement saying: “The Blackburn and District Model Aircraft Club has operated safely and responsibly at Pleasington since 1937. We have developed a solid proactive working relationship with the Blackburn Council, residents and user groups. All club members are aware of operational safety rules having signed annually to abide by them.

“The committee would be acting irresponsibly if they accepted membership from anyone who refused to accept and abide by British Model Flying Association national, local club or council safety rules.”