[Gayle]

Wow - who would have known I could cause such a fuss! Thank you everyone for defending my right to free speech.

I came on this forum originally with one intent - to win people over to the Panopticon project and if not to win them over then to at least get the truth out there so that people could make a more informed decision. Whether that has happened or not, I perhaps can't comment but I do know that I am always honest in my posts and try to inform people rather than make comment when it comes to issues that might be considered a conflict of interest.

Yes, I work for MPA (amongst other companies as I am partly freelance as well), I do NOT work for the council. although I do know a number of people who work for the council so sometimes get inside information. Yes, HBC are proving to be a difficult council to deal with in regards to the Panopticon project but that has no bearing on my views on other issues relating to the council. I have, as has been pointed out, defended them when I think information has been misconstrued and criticised when I feel that things have gone awry.

I am first and foremost a resident of Hyndburn and so entirely at liberty to discuss anything that will affect me and I will continue to do so. I am also a resident of St Andrew's Ward for which Cllr Britcliffe is Councillor so I have every right to comment on his management of that ward and of the area in general.

Since becoming a member with the one intention, I have been far more active than I ever intended. I have made friends, had some interesting debates and I hope become a useful member of this group. I have done this under my own name, as I see no reason to hide my views from anyone - other people including you Dillon, are not so open.

I am very aware of issues that could cause a conflict of interest and there have been times when I have bit my tongue and not replied to posts. However, in this instance I feel I have as much right as everybody else to comment. As for whether my boss at MPA is aware I post on here, it is none of your business. I am as honest and true in my dealings with my boss as I try to be with everyone else. He knows I have outside interests and he knows I have a certain public persona within Hyndburn. He knew this before he employed me and he knows now. He also knows that I am not afraid to voice my opinions when something matters to me.

If it makes everyone feel more comfortable then I will put a disclaimer on my posts but I will NOT stop posting.