So there is anger amongst Labour members in Bolton West, about the seven Labour councillors who voted in favour of Peel Holdings and against local people, allowing Peel Holdings to change beautiful greenbelt land on Hulton Estate, with the promise of a golf course, and hopes of hosting the 2026 Ryder Cup.

This is indeed a long shot, and in this unlikely event will allow Peel Holdings to build 1,000 houses which of course will not be affordable social housing that is much needed. Brownfield sites are where houses should be built.

One of the Labour councillors who voted in favour holds the position of Cabinet member for the Environment. How ironic is that, and I believe he is distributing local election leaflets around Tonge with Haulgh, pledging to protect green spaces. Seems like a contradiction in terms to me.

Labour activists are worried that the vote of seven of their councillors could damage their chances in the May council elections, and ultimately Julie Hilling's chances of being elected as Bolton West Labour MP.

I know that many residents are very angry about the planning committee vote, and I think Labour's chances will be damaged.

So Labour members need to take the seven Labour councillors to task, and ask them why they voted the way they did? Yes they have every right to be angry, greenbelt land must be protected, the Green Party has always opposed the development on greenbelt and always will.

Our greenbelt must be protected against greedy billionaire developers, who care little for green spaces, or people, their only concern is making profit.

Alan Johnson,

Green Party, Candidate

Rumworth Ward