[claytonender]

I agree entirely with Graham. I can't see how we can contract services to Blackburn without losing most of the control.
the other danger, as I see it, is that if we do this quasi merger with Blackburn and Darwen, when there is next a review of local government, Hyndburn will be perceived (to the reviewers) as being an extension of Blackburn. So they will propose that the two authorities are fully merged.

I also think that, as council tax payers, and residents of Hyndburn we should be lobbying Peter Britcliffe, so that there can be at least consultaton and preferably a refurendum on the proposal.