[Ken Moss]

The walkout was in response to a presentation by Brian Simpson MEP who had come to give a presentation on how European decisions affect things in Hyndburn. Given my comparative ignorance of how some things are connected I found it quite interesting and it is useful to get a glimpse of the bigger picture in order to help me be a better councillor. I doubt whether the same tactics would have been employed if a certain Mr Hargreaves had still been local MP and invited along to speak.

I'm disappointed with the Conservative group, shepherded once again into leaving the chamber by Cllr Britcliffe, as several questions were raised over the course of the evening that Mr Simpson was well placed to answer.

We should be encouraging links between district, county and parliamentary levels in order to enable a better flow of information but this seems to be at odds with what the local Conservatives want. Personally speaking, whatever colour flag our local government representatives are flying we should try as far as we can to hear each other out. I note with interest that the only person reported to have turned down an invite to speak at Full Council is Conservative County Council Leader Geoff Driver.

Greater transparency, anyone?