ROSSENDALE'S MP Janet Anderson has welcomed the decision to keep the public's right to speak at council meetings without notice.

A proposal to ban 'off the cuff' speaking were scrapped after Labour councillors persuaded the ruling Tory group to ditch the plans.

The scheme involved asking people to submit written questions three days before at Rossendale Council committee meetings to help members make better responses.

Janet Anderson said: "It is important that the public have the right to question their council on decisions which affect their daily lives.

"I am delighted the proposals of the Conservative leadership to force the public to submit their questions three days in advance were overturned."