AN independent councillor elected after campaigning against traffic calming in Hyndburn claimed he was being "gagged" at a committee meeting to discuss the issue.

Coun Adrian Shurmer launched a verbal attack on Lancashire police, the fire service and the County Council and claimed all three had failed to reply to a series of letters.

Coun Shurmer claimed he was being gagged after his request to ask Lancashire police some 40 detailed questions was denied by the chairman of Hyndburn Council's highways and transport committee. Chairman Coun Douglas Deakin told Coun Shurmer: "The confrontational attitude being portrayed by yourself is the reason why this traffic review panel has taken so long to get off the ground."

Coun Deakin said it would take several hours for the authorities to answer Coun Shurmer's questions. Some accused the authorities of incompetence and criminal negligence.

Sergeant Nigel Walker, of Accrington police, Accrington fire station commander Mick Holmes and County Council chief engineer Terry Carter all said they had replied to Coun Shurmer's letters.

But it was unclear whether the replies had been sent to Coun Shurmer or to Hyndburn Council. Coun Shurmer claimed he had not received them.

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