WHILE Lib-Dem candidate Edmund Critchley has some valid points regarding the lack of choice on offer from the government regarding new local government structures (Letters, April 18).

What he doesn't say is that local Liberal Democrats are in favour of the 'cabinet' model themselves!

Their proposals for a 'cabinet' with 'area committees' means that individual wards would be lumped together into wholly artificial areas thus losing individual ward representation.

Area committees have failed dismally in some other councils and have had to be scrapped.

I also question the Liberal Democrats' sincerity in "upholding democracy" as they cannot be bothered to put up election candidates in nine out of the 21 Blackburn with Darwen wards!

As for Mr J Shackleton's comments (Letters, April 18) he is incorrect about public scrutiny.

Council decisions won't be taken behind closed doors -- the 'cabinet' will only be able to make recommendations to a public, all-party, committee meeting.

It will be interesting to see which system Hyndburn Council does adopt, but since 95 per cent of councils are choosing the 'cabinet' model, I can foresee that they will choose a system very similar to that of Blackburn with Darwen, and many other authorities.

Coun DAVE SMITH (Sunnyhurst Ward), Avondale Road, Darwen.