I NOTICED with some amusement your article (LET, August 2) detailing Blackburn with Darwen's plans to allow the public to ask questions at council meetings.

While this sounds like a step forward in accountability, I couldn't help noticing that any questions have to be submitted prior to the meeting -- an ideal opportunity for the council to weed out any potentially awkward or embarrassing questions that may have been submitted.

Indeed, it provides an ideal platform for "friendly" questions designed to make the council look good or to make any opposition look bad.

Oh well, so much for open debate!

J SHACKLETON (Mr), Reservoir Street, Darwen.