With reference to the decision by Cllr Arthur Price to move to Labour from the Lib Dems.

Whatever the arguments raised by political leaders on Bolton council, it is necessary that the public know that Cllr Price and his wife Lynne have just completed a very successful year as mayor and mayoress of Westhoughton.

Both are popular people in the town and have worked well with all organisations they came in to contact with.

However, Arthur, wearing his other hat as chairman of the council has had to work extremely hard to keep the council doing its job due to differences in the council chamber.

He has worked strenuously to protect our employee, the town clerk Christine Morris using the legal services of Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council to guide him on a correct and proper path.

To that end he has been outstanding in his role as chairman of the council.

He is a man who always seeks fairness and who is straightforward in his dealings both inside and outside the council chamber.

He obviously feels he will be able to continue in their vein as a member of the Labour group on both councils.

As an independent councillor, I congratulate Cllr Price and his wife for their work as mayor and mayoress and for the dignity they have shown.

Cllr Brian CLare, Westhoughton Town Council