RULING Labour bosses have called for peace to break out in the council chamber - in a bid to build a better Burnley.

They have issued a 'Let's get together' invitation to opposition parties to replace traditional warring. Labour's deputy council leader Rafique Malik, wants opposition groups to appoint shadow spokesmen to be fully briefed on all aspects of council work, from housing to industrial development, so that correct, informed decisions can be reached. He said: "There are now 16 members of the opposition, several with a great deal of council experience and we feel they should contribute equally for the welfare of the town.

"I believe the time has come for them to take a greater role in planning and ensuring we work together to get decisions right."

Coun Malik said the town faced many problems and extra money was not the only answer.

The council had to question its role, the way it tackled problems and whether all its assets and traditional services were still necessary.

There was, he said, a need for a council 'think tank' to trigger new approaches.

"There are difficult decisions ahead and we should tackle them together as a council."

The housing chairman added that he also wanted to see the authority lead a rebirth of the old community spirit which could spur improvement and development in future

"Co-operation is the key both in council and the communities."

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