THE report Where's the opposition?' (LET, January 31) made me smile when I read Coun Kate Hollern's comments when she said she hoped it would make some people come forward who can actually get involved in a debate and talk some sense.

But I feel this Labour Council is lacking is common sense.

Coun Hollern, it is about time you had one big debate regarding the filthiness of this town. It is a disgrace. I expect the Tories and Lib Dems are just shouted down when they try to get involved in a debate.

If people don't come out in May and vote then things will never change in Blackburn, in fact, I would make it an offence not to vote with heavy fines being incurred by voting en-masse is the only way we can get a true democratic council instead of a dictatorship. Voting is free and it is quite painless.

H HAMER, Lowther Place, Blackburn.