THE good people of Blackrod pay a Blackrod charge on their council tax bill which has just been increased by 5.4%.

While this supplement only amounts to 2.3% of our payable total it is still received by and distributed by Bolton Council.

Myself and a number of Blackrod residents hereby request that some of this cash be spent on footpaths with barriers that our local councillors say prevent the scheduled cleaning of the same. Excuses given are;

1. The cleaning machines can't get through because of the barriers. (Not necessary for path cleaning).

2. Stray dogs are the problem. (Not true).

3. Twilight dog walkers cause the problem. (Maybe true and if so, should be prosecuted).

4. There is no money left for cleaning. (Not acceptable).

The footpath between Vicarage Road West and Blackrod Library serves the Church School, St, Katherine's Church, Blackrod Library and our Primary Health Care Centre, six local shops, two bus stops and one restaurant. The dog droppings on this footpath in particular have been there for so long that they are beginning to fossilise.

Come on Bolton Council — what do we pay our taxes for?

Tony Ambrose

Greenbarn Way

Blackrod