I WRITE as a resident of the Bastwell ward who is dismayed by the decision of the three Labour councillors recently elected to the borough council to withdraw their support from the Labour Party and to continue on the council as independents.

This decision betrays the confidence placed in them by the electorate, who expects them to carry out their role in pursuing the policies contained in the Labour manifesto, and to do so as part of the collective responsibility of the Labour group on the council.

It cannot be that now they suddenly find themselves in disagreement with these policies which have not changed in the few days since the election.

The reasons for their defection, which are not entirely clear, would seem to lie in not getting their own way in the allocation of posts and portfolios which always takes place in the sorting out by the largest party immediately after an election.

As a Labour member of Blackburn Council myself from 1972 until 1986, I never envisaged breaking the unity of the Labour group; and always voted with my colleagues once decisions were made.

Loyalty, trust and reliability all go together and are essential if the effectual working of the council is to proceed.

These six councillors must resign their seats. The Labour party must be allowed to choose reliable men and women to fight by-elections to replace them. In no other way can the air be cleared.

If the six want to continue on the council they should take their chances as independent candidates and leave the decision to the electorate.

REV HENRY DICKINSON, Notre Dame Gardens, Blackburn.