IT can be too easy to lambast local government bodies because of a failure to act on a controversy outside their remit, but not dubious unexplained moves which are far more than just passing matters and need to be met head on.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's intention to raise rents by up to 50 per cent in Darwen Market Hall is a good case in point. Three or four none too worthy motives come to mind.

However, whatever the detailed plans behind moves which could only have a major impact on the retail trade of the Circus, it is clear that the thought of grossly inflated rents must have originated in some individual's mind before being put to members of what he /she considered to be the appropriate committee.

I have no idea how many of the whole council is aware of or has been party to this deplorable state of affairs.... not the whole bally lot, I hope!

Political piffle of the "making the centre worthy of a town like Darwen" variety will help no-one, but no part of the council must work behind closed doors, whatever the hopes for the future of Darwen's splendid Market Hall.

Those ready to take a vital decision on the question of vastly increased Market Hall rents should be prepared to depute the originator for the idea together with three or four supporters to attend a well publicised public meeting, for explanation to be given to managers, assistants and customers, as well as for questions from members of the audience unwilling to be fobbed off with excuses.

It should be a lively, memorable occasion when perhaps a neutral figure such as the Mayor of Accrington or Clitheroe might be invited to take the chair.

Having chaired umpteen meetings in a long life and not being at all a nervous type, I should be very happy to undertake this important task myself yet I imagine local councillors would not consider me to be even mildly unprejudiced.

D M JEPSON, Bracken Close, Holly Tree Village, Blackburn.