RECENT Liberal Democrat leaflets in Darwen have put forward a number of 'promises' if they are elected, such as community wardens throughout the borough and referenda on various issues.

Unfortunately, they do not say how they will pay for these. Where their proposals can be costed, they come to more than £500,000. That's another two per cent on the council tax.

On top of this, various Liberal Democrat candidates are promising other goodies, such as increases in private sector housing grants. These are uncosted and again no-one will say where the money will come from.

However, in the council debate on the Budget, the Liberals were very clear that they demanded a smaller rise in council tax, although the rise in Blackburn with Darwen is well below the national average. But once again they would not or could not say how this would be financed.

The Liberal Democrats promise to spend a lot more on council services and to reduce council tax. It doesn't add up.

COUN DAVE HOLLINGS (Sunnyhurst Ward), Sudell Road, Darwen.