THERE are a number of disturbing factors relating both to traffic calming and, more recently, the Safeway supermarket in Great Harwood.

Labour councillors have, at every juncture, attempted to stifle debate, refused to constructively comment, found it impossible to argue anything other than an orchestrated 'yes' campaign, dismissing all criticism, even refusing to accept that there is any criticism.

Now, the move by County Coun Richard Toon (Letters, July 2), County Coun George Slynn (Letters, July 12) and Mr C Reid (Letters, July 26) and others is to persuade the public by the character assassination of Adrian Shurmer, the only councillor who was actually democratically elected in Great Harwood.

So sour are they that they cannot win the intelligent argument that they resort to character bludgeoning.

Both Adrian and I believe, as many readers do, that there is a place for well-reasoned traffic calming and new investment in our town, but both projects need to be considered and debated, considering the cons as well as the pros, not forced on us.

To advocate this kind of openness or democracy is anathema to Hyndburn Labour. Arbitrary traffic calming was forced on Great Harwood despite intelligent requests for debate and discussion.

It has done more to destroy this town, Clayton-le-Moors and Rishton than anything else. This is the mark of Millbank-inspired Labour autocracy at work.

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.