A COUNCIL has refused permission for an advertisement expressing solidarity with Palestinians to be shown on its digital billboard on a key road gateway.

Human rights campaign Drive For Justice wanted to place the image including '#Gaza' on the electronic screen on Barbara Castle Way, Blackburn.

It would have been displayed for two weeks following Tuesday's 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough's chief executive Harry Catherall turned the request down.

Drive for Justice told the council: "We wish to raise the awareness of the human rights violations and the cruelty being subjected upon the Palestinian people.

"This is not a political issue, merely a human rights issue."

Mr Catherall said: “We understand the strength of feeling over recent tragic events but as local authority we have to remain impartial on all political issues."

Campaign spokesman Asif Mahmud said: "We're obviously disappointed."

Mr Catherall added: “Our policy states the Council reserves the right to decide whether an issue is or is not contentious and if advertising may or may not be displayed.”