I WOULD refer Councillor Dave Smith (Letters, September 24) to your article about the proposals of Blackburn with Darwen Council to form a 'cabinet' (LET, September 1).

Such intentions can soon become fact and they clearly set out an unacceptable rise in councillors' allowances and expenses.

The council now has unitary status and is different from other councils in that central government calls for it to reorganise. I know of no other council that is set to form a Westminster-style cabinet which is going to be controlled by a handful of councillors making all the decisions rather than having a full council debate.

I have been a Labour member and voter for 60 years and I am greatly disappointed by the performance of Blackburn Council and the obvious decline of the town in general.

I agree that the job of a councillor is one of civic support rather than for financial reward.

It is unfortunate that the professional people who typified councils over the years - doctors, headmasters, teachers, solicitors, garage owners and factory owners - are no longer the ones who serve.

Perhaps a shake-up of the council should start at ward level, with the selection process ensuring that a broader group of people sits on the council.

If Coun Smith is so sure that I have not got my facts straight, I would refer him to the remarks of Councillor J Hirst (Letters, October 4) who also places Blackburn as having one of the highest council taxes in the land.

If Blackburn wants city status, it had better clean up its act and get the town in better shape.

LESLIE BURROWS (Mr), Bonsall Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn.

Footnote: The idea of having elected mayors and cabinet-style government in town halls is, indeed, a government initiative - Editor.

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