BOLTON TUC and the Save Bolton Children's Centres( SBCC) campaign deplores the personal abuse and racist comments directed at councillors at Wednesday's full council meeting.

For some time UKIP have tried to attach themselves to popular campaigns organised by trade unionists and others against cuts to public services. This was in evidence again on Wednesday, and led to some very unpleasant scenes.

It has become clear for some time that UKIP makes greatest gains in areas where people feel deserted by Labour, and left behind by a globalised economy. Until Bolton Labour Council begins to respond to the concerns of the people they claim to represent, scenes like those witnessed are likely to become depressingly familiar.

Tom Hanley

Bolton TUC