AFTER a secret deal between them halted the hearing, we do not know what satisfaction now exists between Blackburn with Darwen Council and the woman employee who took the authority to a tribunal, alleging that she suffered sex and race discrimination over 10 years at work.

But the parties can be sure a third party in this matter finds the outcome highly unsatisfactory -- the public.

For in view of the disturbing disclosure that she was offered £15,000 last week if she dropped her claim and kept quiet, people -- Blackburn and Darwen taxpayers in particular -- will rightly wonder whether another sum of public money has been expended to achieve the final result.

If so, do they not have a right to know how much? And if it was none at all, do they not have a right to be told that too?

What of the openness and accountability, over which the council was at pains to defend itself so recently when it was setting up its new 'cabinet' structure?

And, besides, will the authority also say whether it still refutes the disturbing allegations made by the woman? And have any employees have been subject to disciplinary proceedings regarding them?

When such valid questions are left unanswered by the arrogant dismissal by our public representatives of matters that are clearly in the public interest, the conclusion reached in secrecy over this case seems far from acceptable.