BOLTON’S three opposition party leaders have come together to protest against aspects of a meeting next week where the controversial £300,000 Asons grant will be discussed.

Tory leader Cllr David Greenhalgh, UKIP boss Cllr Sean Hornby and Liberal Democrat chief Cllr Roger Hayes are all unhappy with the fact that Wednesday’s meeting of the council’s scrutiny committee will take place inside the Queens Park pavilion building and that other significant subjects will be on the agenda alongside the controversial grant.

The three leaders met with Labour’s council chief Cllr Cliff Morris to ask for the meeting plans to be reconsidered, but it is understood their requests were not met.

Cllr Greenhalgh said: “I am disappointed that Cllr Morris and officers of the council have not accepted the genuine concerns I have over the venue of Queens Park Pavilion for Wednesday’s scrutiny meeting.”

“I have received assurances that space will be available for as many people as the council chamber can accommodate, but I still feel this could prove to be inadequate, and other alternatives should have been sought.”

“There seems to me still to be a complete lack of understanding from the ruling Labour group at the level of interest the Asons grant has caused, and how much this decision has angered residents of this town.”

He added: “The meeting also should be a one-item agenda to solely discuss the Asons grant, as was originally asked for, but the ruling Labour group will not allow this either, sandwiching the item between the Albert Halls and the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework, both huge issues in themselves which could be discussed at future meetings or have their own separate meeting.”

Cllr Hornby is also unhappy. He said: I feel that the meeting should be a single-item agenda on Asons due to the public outrage and it should take place in the council chamber and not in the Queens Park pavilion.

“These are sad times for the people of this town, I don’t think that the council leader understands the anger across this town about some of the decisions being taken by this Labour Party.”

Cllr Hayes added: “Bolton Council is adamant that the scrutiny committee dealing with the Asons grant will have to be in the Queens Park café. I am very disappointed about this as it will be less convenient for many members of the public who wish to come.

“I am very annoyed that the agenda will be a long one and the Asons grant will not be dealt with until item eight. The opposition councillors will do their best to carry out a proper scrutiny despite the obstacles being put in our way.”

Council chiefs have previously stated that ongoing work in the chamber means it is unavailable and said the timing of the meeting means that other important items, such as the Spatial Framework, must be discussed. The meeting will take place from 5.30pm.