DURING the inauguration of Hyndburn Mayor in Accrington Town Hall, on May 20, the outgoing mayor, ex-Councillor Ian Ormerod, who had just lost the election and is now out of office, made a dreadful political speech - totally out of order as mayor - which came across to me as bitter and arrogant.

This was especially so as he included a statement which likened his own views on the implementation of 'his' road traffic-calming measures to him having personally saved the life of a child who otherwise would not be alive today had he not done so (Ugh! pass me the sick bucket!).

The sad thing was that I did not have the right of reply and ex-Coun Ormerod took advantage. So much for the democratic attitude of the old Hyndburn local government of George Slynn, Ormerod and Co, so unceremoniously and, thankfully, booted out at the election.

After the ceremony, all councillors, wives, ex-mayors, dignitaries etc, were treated to a free four-course meal - with as much free wine as one would like - all provided at taxpayers' expense. In these days of cutbacks and cash shortages, I cannot possibly justify such extravagance and I will not be attending such a function again unless everyone pays.

Indeed, now that I have found out that the "Mayor's Supper" was little more than a "free do for old pals," I have made a donation to council funds for two meals and I hope others will do likewise.

There is absolutely no excuse for expecting members of the community, especially those less fortunate, to do without some of life's comforts and essentials while thousands of pounds are spent on a free, slap-up 'do' for a few hundred council cronies.

Where also is the justification in the mayor having spent most of his year raising money for various charities when, at the end of it, an equal amount is blown away on a two hour meal?

COUNCILLOR ADRIAN SHURMER, Lyndon Avenue, Great Harwood.

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