IT was interesting to read the letter of Lib Dem Steve Rock recently regarding fracking however both he and the Lib Dems should apologise for their actions so far on this issue.

Only a couple of months ago, Mr Rock stood as a general election candidate for the Lib Dems in Bolton on a policy platform of continuing issuing fracking licences. Now he suddenly has had an apparent change of heart because the Lib Dems were kicked out of government. It was his close colleague in government, Lib Dem Energy Secretary Ed Davey who said, ‘Fracking is not evil’ and then issued licences for fracking in Lancashire — it is still Lib Dem policy for fracking to continue. I cannot believe the nerve of Steve Rock to pretend that his party was not responsible for so much environmental damage which has occurred as a result of this unsafe and detrimental process.

Voters in Horwich North East can be assured that I have always been against fracking and always will be and will oppose any fracking coming to Horwich. I have said this in correspondence going back many years when residents have contacted me on this issue and I am supporting the campaign of Bolton Against Fracking. Mr Rock and the Lib Dems cannot be trusted until they change their policy and the public in Bolton deserve an apology both from him and the Lib Dem party.

Cllr. Richard Silvester

Labour

Horwich North East Ward