THE topic of a council for Darwen (LET, February 26) raises several important points.

The first is about democracy and the Bill currently going through Parliament to encourage the growth of town and parish councils. Borough councillors should seek the views of the people they represent and then conduct full debate based on valid argument, not hearsay or personal opinion.

As the Labour group on Blackburn Council voted against supporting the Bill without recourse to public opinion, they have once again refused to allow the people of Darwen a say in a very important matter and again displayed the "Big Brother" attitude that they "know best," and should not be questioned.

Darwen is big enough and important enough to need an identity. A focal point for its future development is of paramount importance.

Any opportunities for industry, commerce, financial support or local development would need to be acted upon immediately and by people who have the town's interests at heart. Surely local people responsible for harnessing local potential would be a dynamic force to work in conjunction with Blackburn Council strategy.

What is there to lose by trying such a local council? After all, little development, financial impetus or town regeneration has taken place under recent Labour control.

Young people are Darwen's future. What is there to encourage them to identify with the town?

After secondary education, there are no further education facilities in Darwen. If the town is to be alive and thriving we must encourage young people to identify with, and support their local community.

Further education facilities could be one solution, but there are many other ways in which these young people could be involved. A local council would help to harness that potential.

These points need discussion - open, fair and without immature and untruthful jibe.

BRIAN DUNNING, Liberal Democrat, prospective Parliamentary candidate for Rossendale and Darwen, Higher Scholes Fold Farm, Hoddlesden, Darwen.

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