LET PEOPLE HAVE SAY

I WOULD like to reply to comments by the leader of the Council Alyson Barnes in her response to the Free Press about her stifling democracy (‘Council leader rejects claims meetings ‘stifle’ democracy’, September 28).

What she says means that her time is more valuable than citizens of the borough having the right to ask legitimate questions.

She cannot spare time for her constituents.

She is wrong to state that minutes of questions ran into pages and pages.

You can check RBC’s website, I think it is rich (her quote) her stating that it was taking up too much time. She should be reminded about the times when she has delivered lengthy answers to questions by her group and friends, diminishing the time left for legitimate questions from the public.

When you see the shambles of the accounts, as discussed this week at Audit and Accounts Committee (‘Damning’ audit into council’s accounts, October 12) it is very obvious why this Council do not want the public to ask questions.

Look at the external auditors’ report.

This is only for 2014/2015. What horrors are to come in 2015/2016, 2016/2017 and 2017/2018? Watch this space.

If she is committed to democracy and she is concerned about valuable time at Council meetings, why doesn’t she agree to hold open forums when members of the public can ask her and her Cabinet questions at more informal gatherings on a quarterly basis? Answer please. Michael Pickup Newchurch Road Rawtenstall