IN 1974, Farnworth and the outlying townships lost their independence and became part of the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, which in turn, ceased to be part of Lancashire to become part of Greater Manchester.

During this time, these townships have struggled to keep some identity. Farnworth has suffered more than most, once a thriving town with its own council and a population of 30,000; it was a good place to raise a family. Now through continual miss management it has become one of the poorest places in England.

The demise of Farnworth and the undemocratic way it lost its identity is about to take place again, but this time it will be the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton.

In May, we will all have a chance to pick the Mayor of Greater Manchester. That person, however unlike our own mayor, will take centre role in the running of all the councils in Greater Manchester.

In 1973 the Tories under the leadership of Edward Heath took us into the Common Market. We were informed that we would be joining a group of countries which believed in free trade.

Most of us swallowed the bait, hook, line and sinker. Little did we know it would cost our identity, democracy and an estimated £183 billion to be a member of this club, it is still costing us.

The Conservatives, the cheerleaders of democracy are at it again, they have colluded behind closed doors with Greater Manchester’s Council leaders and offered £1billion to form a Northern Power House. Of course with money in short supply they have jumped at the chance.

Osborne like Heath has been short on fact, the case for an elected mayor has never been aired in an open forum. Where our local democracy is about to be eroded again and such vast amount of power and public money is about to be handed to one person, the electorate should have had the opportunity to say yes or no. Osborne like Heath will see his dream come true but it will be the electorate who will live with reality good or bad.

Peter German

Highfield Road

Farnworth