REGARDING 'Audit favourable' (Letters, May 8), this attempt by Blackburn with Darwen Labour leader Malcolm Doherty to override the Council's poor national league table rating was a non-goer.

Is he seriously suggesting that different statistics were used in the compilation of this list, thus placing Blackburn in this shameful position?

In fact, all councils were judged on the same criteria.

No matter how many accountants, consultants' reports or whatever he uses in an attempt to defend the indefensible, they do not explain why it is that we have the highest Council Tax with deteriorating services.

Maybe Councillor Doherty can openly explain why Blackpool, on becoming independent at the same time as Blackburn, managed to reduce its Council Tax. Both councils are Labour-controlled.

If he does not have the answer, then maybe he can ask the accountants and consultants on whom the council relies so much to give an explanation so the Council Tax payer can understand.

WALT MEADOWS, Whalley New Road, Blackburn.

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