THE arrogance of the New Labour regime in Blackburn with Darwen takes one's breath away.

On Friday February 2, along with many other people, I attended a concert evening by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic at the Public Halls in Blackburn.

Imagine my surprise when, prior to the start with the orchestra on stage, we were treated to a blatant piece of Labour propaganda when council leader Malcolm Doherty used the occasion to make a presentation to education executive member Councillor Bill Taylor and director of education Mark Pattison, extolling the achievements of the present administration.

As a governor of two local schools, I am aware of the work and input of Coun Taylor and Mr Pattison and both awards were well deserved. My argument is with the choice of venue and the lack of prior notification.

Why not at Ewood Park prior to the start of a game, or perhaps at the demolition of the Mill Hill flats with regional television and the media present?

I believe that this was a civic matter, and, as such, deserved a civic audience. What was wrong with the council chamber, followed by a report in the local newspapers?

If we are to accept this as a Labour success, one or two questions need to be asked:

1 If there were 18 failing schools in Blackburn at the time of the last OFSTED report, who was responsible for the situation?

2 Had these schools been allowed to continue without correction prior to the report despite regular inspection?

3 Can anybody remember a time when we had anything other than a Labour administration?

Answers on a ballot paper at forthcoming elections, please.

D D'ARCY (Secretary, Liberal-Democrat Party, Blackburn with Darwen), Haslingden Old Road, Knuzden, Blackburn.

FOOTNOTE: Councillor Malcolm Doherty replied: "As the excellent Ofsted report affects a lot more than just the politicians and officers in the town hall, but pupils, parents, governors and most of all teachers, it was felt that a more public expression of delight was needed. Both Councillor Bill Taylor and myself commented on this.

"I received a lot of very favourable comments after the presentation, and only a few which were unfavourable. Among the favourable ones was an orchestra member who told me that its members like playing in Blackburn because they always feel like they are really part of our local community."