REPRESENTATIVES from England's best councils came to Blackburn this week to tell central government they want more freedom.

An "innovation forum" of representatives from councils judged to be excellent by the Audit Commission was held at Blackburn Rovers' Ewood Park ground. Sir Bill Taylor, Blackburn with Darwen Council's leader and chief executive Phil Watson hosted the event.

Coun Taylor said excellent councils had already been given more freedom by government as a reward for good performance, but added: "Some aspects of departmentalised government is not as modern and flexible as councils are.

"We are knocking on the door of government to say we want bigger and better opportunities."