AS the controversy over 'fracking' in Bolton continues with Bolton's Labour councillors most prominent in opposition, it is perhaps time to point out their collective hypocrisy over protecting our environment.

Despite them saying ''The environmental impact of fracking needs to be fully considered'' Cllr Morris, and more recently Cllr Joyce Kellet,leader of Horwich Town Council saying: ''our earth is the only thing we have to survive,we abuse it,we contaminate it...''; they conveniently forget to mention that they all enthusiastically support Bolton Council having shares in the Manchester Airports Group, spending the dividends from these shares across Bolton. Their political posturing over the 'potential' environmental effects of fracking pale into insignificance when compared to the large scale pollution that does occur from operating major airports in Manchester, Gatwick and elsewhere, with aircraft burning huge amounts of fossil fuel that affect the air we all breathe.

If they are so committed to the environment and don't want to be seen as hypocrites, when are they going to dispose of these shares, refuse all dividends from a 'dirty' form of transport and re-invest the money in 'clean' transport that could also produce dividends? Don't hold your breath (sorry about the pun!) they will carry on being hypocrites on a cleaner environment!

DerekBullock

Westhoughton