THE cynicism of the Labour group on Bolton Council in relation to the proposed planning inquiry is beneath contempt.
We know that Councillor Critchley in his original motion pulled his punches and his wording lacked the precision it perhaps could have had, but the spirit of that debate and the public’s expectations were for a comprehensive examination of the whole planning process from pre-application talks through to enforcement of conditions after consent — anywhere where corruption could slip in.
The terms of reference should have been arrived at by the chairman of the independent panel who will carry out the enquiry and not curtailed by the vested interests of the Labour group.
As with many other matters, the actions of these councillors who use words to prevent transparency will only cause the public to conclude that they have something to hide. With their terms of reference, we might as well not bother with the time and expense of the enquiry.
Another way must be found of skinning this particular cat.
Stephen Thomas
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