THE Prime Minister, Teresa May has just sent an election address to the Bolton News office under the guise of a New Year message.

In it she praises the work of Tory MP Chris Green (as she will all the Conservative MPs in marginal seats) and resurrects the 'Northern Powerhouse' myth.

Mrs May writes of £560 million investment across the north west but provides no details of where or how this money will be spent.

Let us hope that there will be some money for the area, god knows investment is needed, but to put it in perspective, £800 million was spent on the Olympic stadium, this huge amount includes converting it for use as a football stadium. It was then given to West Ham United, a privately owned London football club. West Ham do pay an annual rent of about £1.2 million but this includes the running costs and policing of the stadium. It is also worth remembering that the vice-chair of WHU is Baroness Brady of Knightsbridge. A Tory Baroness.

So you see, the possible money the PM speaks of for the whole of the north west is very welcome —if it ever happens — but is nothing compared to the millions that gets lavished on London and the southeast on a regular basis.

I see this 'New Year message' as the first of many before a general election is called in the spring. Next time the Tories tell you about any possible massive investment, don't forget the £100s of millions that have been cut from councils in the north of England and will continue to be cut. A general election is round the corner. I feel it in my bones.

Eric Hyland

Harwood.