LAST week we reported an attack by council leader Kate Hollern on what she said was an ineffective opposition on Blackburn with Darwen Council that was "bad for the borough."

Conservative leader Colin Rigby claimed the system was stacked against opposition councillors.

We commented that without suggesting everything the Labour group did warranted criticism, absence of real pressure had almost turned the borough into a one-party state.

We called for challenge and a more probing and robust opposition. With that in mind, it's good to be able to report today that at the latest meeting of the borough's executive board, opposition councillors asked no fewer than 17 questions on a wide range of subjects.

And that compares with just one in the previous year!

However, this increased activity mustn't merely be a flash in the pan or knee-jerk reaction but the start of an energetic campaign to work the system, raise questions and demand answers.

Those in power will be forced to think more carefully about what they are doing if they know they will be closely monitored and held accountable for their actions.

And this more effective opposition will produce better local government for all of us.