REGARDING Hyndburn having a hung council with the departure of Councillor Adrian Shurmer from the ruling Conservative group.

The Tories were quite happy to go into coalition with him after the last local elections - indeed they stood their candidate down in Great Harwood so that he had a better chance of winning - so it is a bit rich for them to complain that they didn't know what they were getting into just six months down the line.

Since the local elections, our position has been one of 'constructive opposition.' We have addressed each issue sensibly and weighed up the pros and cons of an argument before voting in the public interest - and we will continue to do so.

The people of Hyndburn are sick to death of reading about the Tories' internal problems. All this silly squabbling is a distraction from the real issues - jobs, regeneration, housing.

"Instead of squabbling among themselves, the Conservatives should try governing. It's time to stop the chaos and confusion and all the bloodletting of the past few months and get on with the job in hand.

COUN Ken Curtis, Leader, Labour Group, Hyndburn Council.

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