RECENT statements by the leader of Bolton Council Clifford Morris, and deputy leader Linda Thomas, leaves one confused, and I am sure leaves residents of Bolton feeling the same.

Firstly on the issue of fracking, Cllr Morris confirmed that the council will refuse applications for fracking licences on council land as a starting point, but view other applications on merit, leaving our Labour council at odds with the national party.

The decision to allow fracking in parts of the borough will leave the public in Horwich and Rivington deeply concerned. The fact is we need to move away from our use of fossil fuel, and invest more in renewable energy, to seriously tackle climate change, and leave a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren, fudging on this quite simply will not do, future generations will not forgive us.

Secondly deputy leader Linda Thomas' statement that the future of Children's Centres is not about closures, but fails to state what the Labour council plans really are. Many vulnerable families rely on these centres, they are a lifeline to them. It has been well documented that the council consultation process is, and has been deeply flawed. It really is high time the council listened to people. It should dip into its massive reserves of £204 million, and find the £1.5 million needed to save the centres. Come on Bolton Labour council please represent the people who rely on you.

Alan Johnson,

Bolton Green Party