EVERY day for weeks now there has been a series of alarming news reports highlighting concerns about the future of health and social care.

The Bolton News recently reported concerns raised by Andy Burnham MP regarding cuts to social care funding. Across the country it is estimated that a third of local authorities could be worse off under new arrangements for funding social care.

Bolton Council stands to lose an estimated £234,427 in funding for care to support some of the most vulnerable people in our town. This is despite government claims that a new local government will see "new money" for local councils.

It is a real worry that reduced funding for social care will only create added pressure on our National Health Service. The "crisis what crisis" attitude of Prime Minister is shameful. Recently we have seen government attempts to blame GPs for patients having difficulties getting appointments.

When are we going to see the Government step forward and admit that cuts and lack of funding are having an impact.

The loss of local NHS walk in centres like the one in Bolton and the closure of the Accident and Emergency Unit in Chorley have had a huge knock on effect elsewhere on services locally.

Joan Pritchard-Jones

Bolton