SOME weeks ago, I threw down the gauntlet to Labour and Conservative councillors requesting a public meeting over Safeway's planning application for a supermarket in Great Harwood. Neither was prepared to be open, democratic or accountable in public.

For those who read the Labour-endorsed, wildly misleading and inaccurate reports supporting the application, it comes as no surprise that Safeway have pulled out. The news that the Co-op proposes to close its new building and move to the Safeway site is the height of panic-stupidity.

With the now abandoned 'Bedding Box' and town hall, this would leave the top of the town virtually derelict! Before we let this happen, I ask:

Do you want a new supermarket, (which, our council will tell us, is the extent of our town centre regeneration)? Or, do you want town regeneration proposals for a new town centre, supermarket, High Street outlets and housing with library and nursery improvements, finally making our town car and pedestrian-friendly?

If, like me, you think the second option is better, why have the Conservative and Labour councillors never put it to you? Adrian Shurmer can see this vision. Can you?

Before you listen to the 'poison' being spread about our independent councillor, please think on - he is the only man talking sense.

PHILIP CONGDON, Hindle Fold Lane, Great Harwood.

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