On the 1st of October, the Friends of Finnington attended a Blackburn with Darwen Council Forum meeting, expecting a platform for constructive dialogue and decision-making for the betterment of our beloved community. Unfortunately, what we witnessed was a far cry from that ideal. The meeting descended into chaos, perpetuated by behaviours that were not only unfair but also resembled bullying tactics, damaging the integrity of the council proceedings.

The tipping point came with the actions of a Reform councillor whose conduct veered so far from the expected decorum that it brought the entire council meeting into public disrepute. Such behaviour not only undermines the work of those genuinely trying to improve our area but also shakes public trust in our local governance.

The people of Blackburn with Darwen deserve better. We deserve council meetings where resdents' and elected members ideas can be exchanged freely and respectfully, without fear of intimidation or disruption. The current state of affairs, however, suggests a need for a systemic change and demand for accountability.

To address this issue, we urge Blackburn with Darwen Council to take concrete steps to uphold professionalism and decorum in all council sessions. This includes implementing and publicly sharing a clear code of conduct for councillors, appointing independent monitors to ensure that this code is adhered to, and providing training to foster respectful communication among council members and towards members of the public.

Moreover, transparent records of public question selection rationales should be readily available to the public as soon as those decisions are made.. This transparency will not only allow constituents to stay informed but also empower them to hold their elected officials accountable for their actions.

If we do not act now, we risk allowing unfairness, inequality and disruptive behaviour to become normalised, potentially hindering effective governance and community development. It's time for us to stand together and demand the professionalism and decorum that will foster trust and effective decision-making.

Please sign this petition if you believe in preserving the dignity and effectiveness of our local council, ensuring that it serves the best interest of every community member in Blackburn with Darwen. Together, we can insist on higher standards and foster a more respectful and constructive environment for all.