ANIMAL Rights' campaigners and a leading councillor have attacked a council's decision to allow a circus which uses elephants, horses and dogs to operate in a popular park.

The Bobby Roberts Circus arrived in Blackburn yesterday, setting up in Witton Park, which is owned by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Its first show was last night, and it will run until next Tuesday, to the anger of animal rights groups.

But the show's organisers said local people had nothing to worry about because the animals just would not perform if they were mis-treated. They also pointed out that, although they kept elephants, they would not be used in Blackburn because foot and mouth restrictions have meant they cannot leave their Scottish base.

A spokesman for the Animal Defenders said: "We are appalled that a council is letting a circus go on its land. Regardless of which animals are being used, you have to remember these are animals which are being kept in captivity and being trained to do things which aren't natural to them. Councils across the country are banning animal circuses because they realise there is little public support for them. We would urge Blackburn to do the same."

Sue Berry, from the Captive Animals' Protection Society, said: "We campaign just as vigorously against domestic animal acts as we do against exotic ones. They lead unnatural lives, kept on short ropes and are forced to perform stupid tricks." Coun Colin Rigby, leader of the Conservative group on Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "If it was down to me, we wouldn't have allowed an animal circus to perform on council land. I think it is cruel and wrong and we certainly should have been allowed to discuss it." Eddie Runswick, Blackburn with Darwen Council's Director of Community, Leisure and Culture, said: "The Council accepts animals provided that satisfactory welfare arrangements are in place as well as the appropriate veterinary certificates, which we always inspect."

And circus ringmaster Paul Winston said: "The animals aren't badly treated, they are regularly inspected by the RSPCA.

"Our animals wouldn't perform if they weren't happy. Bobby has had his elephants for more than 40 years -- longer than his children!"