Lib Dems gagged at Council Meeting

Councillor were prevented from discussing the controversial demolition of houses in the Redearth Rd. area of Darwen at the last Council Meeting.

The Council is taking legal action after failing to win a Public Enquiry into their Compulsory Purchase Order and having an injunction taken out against them stopping further demolition. Liberal Democrat Leader, Cllr David Foster said, "We were informed minutes before the council meeting was due to start that we were being advised that we could not discuss the issue. I protested that the Council had already made a statement on the issue in the Council Agenda and we were now being prevented from challenging some of the issues raised."

Liberal Democrats criticised the Labour Council's consultation process and the Inspector agreed that is was flawed. He also criticised the Council's method for deciding that demolition was the best option and ruled against the Council.