IT is about time someone gave our 'local' councillors a kick up the backside and reminded them that they are elected to deal with LOCAL matters and not to point score on national party policies.

If national government wants to restore democracy to the people, as both parties claim they do, then let them take party politics out of local matters.

I for one will not be wasting any time voting at the next local elections unless there is an independent candidate and not just the 'party' cardboard cut outs.

L LAWES, Bold Street, Blackburn.

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