ON May 31, I tendered my resignation as an independent councillor on Hyndburn Council in the most public way I could think of, I didn't reach my decision to resign lightly, but I wanted to bring to the public's attention several matters which, I felt, they had a right to know about.

Following the publication of my leaflet (distributed throughout Hyndburn), I then noted from the editorial comment in this and other papers that my action was seen as an abdication of my duties rather than an act of wisdom.

Of course, there have been the usual jibes aimed at my person -- mainly from persons who, are perhaps concerned that I am exposing certain matters which they would rather have brushed under the carpet and covered up.

On the street, however, and via personal contact with ordinary members of the public, I have taken heart that the response has been one of "Thank goodness that someone has had the courage to speak up."

Perhaps the newspaper reports speak for themselves. My open letter (on the leaflet) listed a number of very important concerns. It is therefore very significant that in reporting my resignation, beyond general statements etc., the newspapers felt that these concerns were not worth comment.

Strange, isn't it, that these points were not reported? Now, you know the size of the problem facing an open democracy in Hyndburn.

ADRIAN SHURMER, Lyndon Avenue, Great Harwood.