MAY I call Hyndburn Council leader Councillor Peter Britcliffe to account for his statement: "I am pleased that people who have fought to preserve this country's democracy have been able to see democracy in action on this day" (LET, November 12)?

As one of those who "fought," I am very confused by Coun Britcliffe's interpretation of democracy, as related to the Great Harwood superstore planning application and poll.

Some 35 per cent of Great Harwood's voting population said "yes," but 18 per cent said "no." (This was not a referendum as the "no" vote was not presented).

The greater proportion of Harwood's population - 47 per cent - did not vote at all. Why?

I suggest the majority realised the truth. Having been informed of the earlier "yes" planning decision, where was the sense in a later referendum that everybody knew was not binding?

Bearing this in mind, that 47 per cent were further unable to cast a sensible vote, because they had only been given a glossy, half story c/o Mr Dransfield and a biased explanation c/o Mr Rix.

The hidden, unreported truth is that although representation was made to the council and Mr Britcliffe to allow a "no" vote presentation, the council and Mr Britcliffe ignored this "democratic" request. An action that would have given credibility and balance to a real referendum.

To deny a "no" vote presentation was to deliberately prevent a democratic outcome. I did not fight for that.

But this is the measure of Coun Britcliffe's council leadership, condoned by his executive cronies.

Oh, yes, the sale proceeds will go to the borough (Globe Centre?), not directly to Harwood. Need more be said? I believe I told you so!

PHILIP CONGDON, Hindle Fold Lane, Great Harwood.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.