THE COUNTY'S most senior politician this week launched a blistering attack on "a culture of secrecy" which he claims is gnawing at the heart of local government in Herefordshire.

Leominster warhorse Dick Burke, the Father of Herefordshire Council, claims backbenchers are increasingly, routinely, being "kept in the dark" by "The Secret Seven" (the cabinet) and some top officials.

"If we want to know anything we have to read about it in The Hereford Times," said Mr Burke.

He says important information is frequently withheld from councillors who are not consulted about major issues on their 'patch.' He cites the shock closure of the Sydonia Swimming Pool which took him and his Leominster colleagues by surprise.

Mr Burke, a veteran who has served on four local authorities, says he "very disappointed" the new unitary council is not living up to expectations. It is being hampered by a yawning democratic deficit at its heart, he says.

He insists his stance is not party-political - councillors of all political hues frequently feel impotent and frustrated at the degree of central decision-making.

"It has to change. We can't go on being ruled by the Secret Seven. We did not come into local government for this - I think that is the view across the board among the great majority of councillors," said Mr Burke.

His fury erupted after, he claims, he was "gagged". He was allowed to attend a confidential cabinet discussion on the Sydonia last Thursday but not to speak.

He said he was very anxious to make points and ask questions on behalf of his constituents but "the Gang of Seven" did not allow him a hearing

He claims some top council officers are equally as "obstructive" and operate on a "we know best" basis.

He says he was angered recently when, as one of the founders of Bridge Street Sports Park, now run by the council, he was denied details of the accounts. "I was told they were not available to me because they were the property of Sport England," said Mr Burke.

He is calling for an all-round rethink of the way the council is run and for the issues of transparency and openness to be addressed. "This is the worst authority I have served on," said Mr Burke.