Regarding pavement obstruction, the Chamber of Trade states that all members of Blackburn with Darwen Council were sent copies of their questionnaire. That is not correct. I was not sent one until I requested one and I received it last Thursday.

For the record, this matter was brought to my attention at a meeting of our group of Labour councillors.

At that meeting I informed them that I had already arranged a meeting with the Chamber of Trade to discuss this very issue.

As a result of this, I was asked by members of our group to reply to the Chamber of Trade on their behalf.

There was no instruction from me, or any other member of my group, not to return the questionnaire.

I am aware that a number of members of my group had already replied to the questionnaire and they told me that there was some confusion about the wording of some of the questions.

The detail of the whole policy relating to obstructions on the highway has already been discussed at a meeting with the Chamber of Trade. At this meeting I and others outlined some compromises which it was felt would go some way to addressing the needs of the traders in various ways.

Far from wanting to restrict the trade of shopkeepers the Council is attempting to solve the problems of one section of our community without putting another at risk.

This involves compromise, something which from your report, the Chamber does not seem to want to recognise.

The comments in your "Opinion" column relating to the Labour groups "anti business attitude" couldn't be further from the truth.

It is this Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, and therefore using your definition, the Labour group, which is leading the country in their partnership with the business community.

A fact recognised throughout government and local business, and one I am proud to be associated with.

Andy Kay, chairman of the regeneration committee.

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