WHILST I appreciate Mr Peel's effort to take the time to rely to my criticisms of him and his colleagues at the recent council meeting, I really must take him to task on his reply.

Whilst I am indeed a Liberal Democrat supporter, my letter did not come from 'my own political agenda' but stemmed from the disgust of other members of the public who were also in attendance. The gentleman from Great Lever who spent three weeks collecting over 200 signatures in order to help get changes made to the 519/520 bus routes wasn't a Liberal Democrat, but he agreed that the meeting contained an awful lack of substance. The lady from from Astley Bridge showing support to make changes to the 535/537 services wasn't a Liberal Democrat, she wasn't best pleased either.

The views stated in my recent letter echo those across all sections - including Mr Peel's own party. The people of Bolton don't want councillors who shout and jeer over each other they want and deserve councillors who work with their local wards to help implement workable solutions to the problems they are facing. Problems like the removal of their bus services for instance.

I concede that my comments about Cllr Chadwick may be more a case of "not liking the answer". When Cllr Martin asked what our three councillors were doing on residents' behalf to ensure the reinstatement of the 68 bus service, which is the only direct route from Bolton to Salford super-hospital, between Bolton and Farnworth.

I had convinced myself he had not fully answered the question, but instead tiptoed around it. However, I now accept that the answer to that question was indeed "nothing". That will be of little consolation to the blind lady who now has to struggle crossing two busy main roads during her walk to the nearest bus stop, or to all those who face 90 minute journeys to get to Salford Royal Hospital.

Finally onto the suggested "fabrication" of my comments regarding shop vacancies. I suggest Cllr Peel tries doing some research. I actually stated that we lived in "a town where last year the vacancy rates for shops were in the top 10 worst in the North of England". A statement that is supported with a very quick google search for the words 'Bolton shop vacancy rates'. Mr Peel is ignoring the fact that Bolton extends beyond the town centre.

Indeed this year Bolton town centre does sit amongst the top half (just) of lowest vacancy rates in Greater Manchester. Great!

You can put my gripes down to my political leaning all you want Mr Peel, but the fact remains that my concerns are echoed by a majority across the town. The town wants councillors who will work together to make this town the place it once was. Vibrant and busy a place to be proud of. Filled with shops selling a wide variety of merchandise — not just things you can buy for £1.

Kev Walsh

Harper Green