AS a resident of Hyndburn, I have read that the intention of the new Tory council is to get closer to the people, so to observe that policy, I went along to the policy and resources committee recently.

What a performance we saw from the chairman, Councillor Peter Britcliffe. He and his party could not make their minds up whether to increase the number of committees, slim them down or do away with them altogether.

To say it was confusing is being kind.

The chairman got up from the chair while an employee of the council was talking to the committee. He left the room, then came back a few minutes later with a glass with what looked like wine in it.

He walked round the room a while, leaving the item to be discussed. Coun Jim Dickinson was forced to come to the rescue by taking over the chairing of the meeting until Coun Britcliffe reoccupied the chair.

What happened next was a real surprise. The Independent Coun Shurmer told Coun Britcliffe that he did not like the remarks he was making, and that if he did not stop he would make sure that he was no longer the leader of the council.

All in all, it was an eye opener. I expected to read about it in the local press, but not a mention. Perhaps the reporters were justifiably confused. I look forward to the next committee meetings, or full council meeting, by which time there may be a new leader.

I would suggest to the people of Hyndburn that they should go along to a meeting, if only for great entertainment value, but we should ask ourselves if this shambles is what we elected certain councillors for.

LEN NIELD, Moorhouse Avenue, Accrington.

Footnote: Peter Britcliffe became ill with high blood pressure almost as soon as he took power in May. He was off duty for six weeks and handed over power temporarily to his deputy, Jim Dickinson.

During the policy and resources meeting in question, Coun Britcliffe did temporarily hand over the chair to Coun Dickinson for one item while he took a toilet break. He returned with a can of Coca Cola, which he poured into a glass and when the item had finished, he resumed his duties.

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