THE leader of Lancaster council during the Blobbygate fiasco has rejected a prestigious title for his service amid cries that taxpayers are still feeling the pinch.

Stanley Henig was due to become an honorary Alderman of the council yesterday (Wednesday) but withdrew at the last minute.

He abandoned the offer after Green Party claims it was not appropriate because of financial decisions made during his time in office.

The office of Alderman can be given to former councillors to recognise important service to the council.

In a letter to city chief executive Mark Cullinan this week Mr Henig said he had finally felt free' to accept the offer.

But members of Lancaster's Green Party voiced concerns about the validity of his taking the title.

"Clearly Cllr Henig achieved many things while he was in office," said Cllr Emily Heath.

"However, given the financial problems caused by the Blobby affair and Lancaster Market it would be inappropriate for the council to bestow this honour on Mr Henig."

Mr Henig said he had turned the title down in 1999 because of very serious allegations of wilful misconduct' being made against him and an investigation by the District Auditor.

"While I knew these charges were without foundation, it was only fair to the council that my name should be cleared before I accepted the invitation.

"During the last year the District Auditor concluded his investigations, having previously dismissed all the charges against me. I felt free at last to accept.

"In the past this kind of civic recognition has never been politicised. I was, therefore, somewhat surprised to learn that councillors had on this occasion raised objections."

He also said he wished to withdraw because he did not want the election of a new Mayor yesterday (Wednesday) to be marred.

"This should be very much his day and certainly not sidetracked into arguments about what did or did not happen on certain matters 10 years ago."

City council leader Cllr Ian Barker expressed his disappointment at Mr Henig's withdrawal.

"For over five years a vicious and personal campaign was directed at Stanley alleging wrong-doing bordering on criminality. Last year he was cleared by the District Auditor without a stain on his character and felt able at last to accept this honour," says Cllr Barker.

"Stanley has always accepted that mistakes were made, has apologised and, unlike some others, accepted his share of responsibility."

The Green Party claim it is not political and they are not trying to reflect on Mr Henig as a person.

Cllr John Whitelegg says: "There was tremendous opposition to the selling of the public market and Mr Henig took not the blindest bit of notice. Mr Henig's administration have tied the city into a financial straightjacket that is leaking hundreds of thousands of pounds every year."