TOWN Hall leaders, when challenged about the lack of full and proper public consultation on plans and policies, usually retreat behind the cost argument, claiming it costs too much to distribute a leaflet and collect a response from every household in the town.

Well hang on! Every house in the town has a visit from a council representative every week -- the dustbinman or refuse collection operative.

There is no reason at all why an adhesive-backed envelope could not be attached to every wheely bin.

The envelope could contain a survey, referendum or questionnaire document and another adhesive-backed envelope to allow the response to be collected the following week.

It may not be perfect, some responses may go astray, the Town Hall clerk may claim children have filled them in, but it would enable at very little cost, public opinion to be measured on a wide range of issues -- Should Council Tax be increased?; Should the Town Hall have an elected Mayor?; Should the bus station be demolished?; Should Preston have a new town centre library to replace the Harris?

Specific areas of the town could be surveyed this way, on local issues, should the Moor Nook shops be demolished-- should the former Harris Orphanage be developed for or allowed to contain commercial or non-educational interests?

It could be done, if people in the Town Hall had a genuine desire to listen and learn. It could prove to be a quick and easy way of communication with the public.

The cleansing department staff are obviously capable of undertaking the extra responsibility, and no doubt an extra pound coin in their pay envelopes would make them more enthusiastic guardians of public opinion.

Ray Johnson,

Ribbleton,

Preston.