IT is a great pity that the Chair of Bolton Unison Branch Matt Kilsby (Bolton News December 14) can find not a single word of support for Bolton Council, to recognise the efforts made by the Labour Group to mitigate against the worst aspects of the Tory and Tory/Liberal Government's sustained attack on Local Government since they came to power six years ago.

Bolton Council more than any other in Greater Manchester has sought to protect jobs and services. He demands that the council should break the law and set a "no cuts budget"; that they should use reserves; whilst accepting £30m of reserves are already committed and that we should borrow money.

As a local government employee Mr Kilsby must be aware of government powers to intervene should councils pursue the course of action he demands of Bolton Labour Group and I suspect in this respect he does not have his Union's support in urging that councils break the Law.

It is to easy for those of "other political parties" to sloganize and simplify, when they hide their political affiliation and they evade the public accountability that this would engender .

The Bolton Labour Party will continue to use all lawful means to protect jobs and services; as democrats we reject the revolutionary minorities call to break the law.

Frank White

Chair Bolton Labour Party