AT a recent meeting of Smithills Branch Labour Party, attention was drawn to a leaflet delivered to residents in the Jesmond Road area by Liberal Democrat councillors about pavement repairs. Part of the leaflet made reference to work to the pedestrian area of Deansgate in the town centre. Although we are accustomed to Lib Dems exercising economy with facts, the leaflet is at best misleading.

A quick inquiry to senior Labour councillors tells us that money spent on Deansgate is as a result of Section 106 funding, received from developers who had built in the town centre and was to repair and upgrade the highway realm in the town centre. This is normal procedure, which Liberal Democrat councillors should know. So to imply that “certain areas of the town” are benefiting at the expense of neighbourhood pavement repairs is not accurate.

Sadly, pavement repairs are yet another public service victim of the draconian cuts imposed on Bolton Council by the Coalition government. Bolton’s Labour-led council is working hard to try to mitigate the worst effects of this attack on public services.

As reported in The Bolton News, the work in Deansgate was significant in encouraging a retailer to invest in the former Woolworth’s premises, adding to economic activity in the town.

Bob Bradley Shrewsbury Road Bolton