I am sure I must have been one of the last people to ask an open question from the council chamber’s public gallery. I am therefore very disappointed at the current ruling administration’s attempt to dilute democracy by ensuring you can only submit written questions with appropriate notice to full council.

Not to be defeated, I thought ‘OK, democracy still rules at the local area partnership; let’s ask a few questions at the Ramsbottom venue’.

I attended the LAP on Thursday, November 20, and was surprised that a local councillor presented ‘Vote No’ car stickers in respect of the TIF bid and the chairman proceeded to encourage the community to collect them. A local councillor then gave a report on his work which turned out to be what others had been doing and he proceeded to then advertise his surgery.

I presumed that the LAP had to be fair and balanced in its running so, after waiting all night, I asked my question which related to presenting a fair view, if the TIF bid vote ‘No’ stickers were promoted why was the vote ‘Yes’ view not considered (I have not formed a view)?

Why can a local councillor advertise his surgery at the LAP but the local MP or other community group cannot? Unfortunately my questions were greeted by a cacophony of catcalling, impromptu bellowing and embarrassed laughter from some councillors.

One member of the public wanted to ask if he could debate the tennis club issue in Holcombe Brook. He was told ‘no’ as some councillors are on the planning committee. I think they could have left — and those remaining could have listened to the debate.

It seems to me the political group currently leading the council wish to frustrate democratic discussion with all the subtlety of using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

From what I saw at the LAP I attended, they prefer to pat each other on the back and foist sometimes unwelcome views on the audience rather than engage in constructive dialogue.

If you have the time I would encourage the public to attend a few meetings, either the LAP or full council. It’s only by doing this and having your say that we can preserve the right to speak and you will, I am sure, be surprised to see just how your elected representative is representing you!

Steve Treadgold Holcombe Brook