THE same evening that you reported that the closure of Church Street in Blackburn is to go ahead (LET, January 26), a copy of "Shuttle Special" was pushed through my door.

Its headline said: "Your council representing you -- make your views count" and inside it said: "It's your views that count."

In your report, Councillor Ashley Whalley stated: "We have to move into the 21st century," despite petition and protests by the thousand. Yet The Shuttle says: "Your council representing you -- make your views count."

As usual our council stamps its jackboots on its electors.

But the really worrying were the comments in reply to Coun Alan Cottam who pointed out the traffic system could cause carnage.

Coun Andy Kay blandly stated that there will be "traffic calming."

Go and look at the latest traffic calming in the town -- on Montague Street and Oakenhurst Road -- but keep well away from the road because the demented white line painter is about.

The advent of traffic restriction brings with it a mass of roadside furniture -- of signs by the dozen and painted lines -- all to detract from everyone's concentration.

But when will this council do as it often promises -- and act in the view of those who put them there?

In the same edition is a picture of Coun Whalley perched on a giant street sweeper.

It should be taken into the council chamber and directed at the deaf, blind council.

Listen, listen, listen! -- you are our representatives, not our masters.

T HOWARTH, Carlinghurst Road, Blackburn.