THE awarding of a substantial grant to Asons, raises many questions.

Why did it need to be authorised under emergency powers?

Did Asons approach the council for this money or visa versa?

How do other solicitors in the town feel about one of their competitors receiving a significant commercial advantage by having its refurbishment costs picked up by the taxpayer?

What certainty do we have that we can recoup the money if Asons get into commercial difficulties?

The council says the grant would ensure Asons did not leave the town? And yet they bought the building in June and completed their refurbishment in August. Are we seriously suggesting they would have left town if they did not receive the grant in September?

The biggest question though should be raised by council taxpayers whose bills went up by 3.5% last year, did they really expect to see their hard earned money spent in this way?

Opposition councillors and trade unionists are in genuine shock about this decision and how it was made: it is now up to Labour councillors to decide if they are prepared to let this decision stand.

Cllr Martyn Cox

Westhoughton North and Chew Moor