THERE is just one word to describe the response of Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Malcolm Doherty, to criticism of the decision to survey residents on what they want from the council (Letters, September 21) -- pathetic.

Here he is proclaiming huge success and praise. He might have had the right to praise himself and the council if these accolades were from an independent source instead of just from people out of the same old midden.

What nonsense! How can a selective MORI poll of 1,000 people claim to establish what people want? Does Councillor Doherty expect us to believe that the Gang of Five, or whatever, will take any notice?

Even well-respected councillors of his own party state that the council is run by diktat. So if councillors have no say, what chance Joe Public?

Over the last 10 years, Blackburn Council has carried out numerous surveys of the people and has received an abundance of petitions. Result? They took very little notice and carried on in their own merry way in the total belief that they know better. What gives us any expectation that this survey will be any different?

One openly admits that the council cannot please all the people all the time. On the other hand, the council might kid some of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all the time.

WALT MEADOWS, Whalley New Road, Blackburn.

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