IT being a slow day with nothing on the telly, I was reduced to reading the leaflet about best value that was delivered with my council tax bill.

It would appear that, at best, Blackburn's services are delivered at marginally over a 50 per cent efficiency.

It also contained little gems such as "Blackburn is one of only 34 per cent of authorities that provide a back door refuse collection service." Since all authorities have a mandatory duty to provide this service, what, I wonder, service do the other 66 per cent give.

It also contains the riveting news that 20 per cent of the council's directors or managers are women. What does this have to do with efficiency?

It appears they are to increase the number of people using the library's facilities. I will be making a wide detour of the library entrance in future in case staff are outside hijacking people in to boost the numbers.

I would urge anyone who has not done so to read this leaflet. At least they might enjoy it as an excellent example of gobbledegook and, on a more serious note, ask themselves whether those responsible for issuing it should really be running their town.

L LAWES, Bold Street, Blackburn.