TORY Councillors Pearson and Raseta (February 9 and 15) were upset by the comments from Coun Kate Hollern, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, when she said opposition councillors are not good enough to provide an effective challenge to the ruling Labour group.

In nearly 20 years as a councillor I have known many intelligent, articulate and effective members from opposition parties. There are not nearly enough of these now.

Coun Pearson says Tories and Liberals have always opposed Labour but what he doesn't say is that most of their objections don't make any sense or miss the point.

Just objecting' does not make an effective opposition.

Coun Raseta gives an example of Coun Hollern rejecting a proposal for a question time for the opposition. They have failed to use their opportunities to question the council Executive members at all but one of the monthly meetings of the Executive Board. What could be the point in providing them with another question time when they wouldn't use it?

Coun Raseta says Labour members don't speak at council meetings and claims we are too scared to speak in public. Utter nonsense! Many Labour members speak regularly in council meetings and always make a lot more sense than the opposition.

They say most Labour members vote like sheep and don't oppose the leadership again utter nonsense.

Most councillors vote with their party because they have an agreement to stick together.

The biggest arguments and closest votes take place in meetings of Labour members.

This could be about the development of new policies for our services or how to balance the council's £200million budget. Once we have argued and voted we go forward together.

Executive members work closely with the rest of the Labour group and consult them. When the same executive members consult with the whole council about an aspect of policy, it is in the hope that a significant contribution will be made by anyone present.

Councillor DAVE HARLING, (Wensley Fold ward), Selborne Street, Blackburn.