ON Thursday, February 22, I attended a Planning Meeting at the Town Hall, as I had objected to the siting of the all-weather pitch at St Joseph's School, Horwich.

I went in believing in democracy and freedom of speech, but came out thinking the system is corrupt, and would certainly not be prepared to die for the right of half of those councillors to have the right of free speech.

I feel angry and let down by the system, but accept the decision as I believe in the democratic process. However, I should like to expand on why my faith in democracy has been shattered.

The vote was carried by 12 votes to 11, with one of the 12 votes being cast by the chair and another by a governor of the school. In all my experiences of committees, the chair should only exercise their vote as a casting vote. Why is it different in Bolton Council committees?

It was also very noticeable that the 12 votes were cast by Labour, and the 11 votes by Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. There is also no right of appeal against the decision of these fine, upstanding citizens, who make decisions on my behalf and, they will argue, for my benefit.

During the debate prior to the vote, it was suggested minor restrictions be put on the time, use of the facility, and car parking. At this point the debate developed into a shambles and a farce when councillors didn't seem to know what they were voting for or which amendment.

I left having no faith the system of local democracy as practised in Bolton, and now believe local politicians are just the same as their national colleagues.

In conclusion I ask the question: Is there anyone of any party in Bolton who is prepared to stand up to their party machine and stand up for individuals and not follow blindly their party leaders and directives? If there is another Ken Livingstone living in Bolton he would certainly get my vote.

I am seriously concerned that it seems we have a system of decision making in Bolton which doesn't allow councillors to vote as individuals, follow their conscience and vote for what they believe is right.

M A Ball

Sefton Lane

Horwich ON Thursday, February 22, I attended a Planning Meeting at the Town Hall, as I had objected to the siting of the all-weather pitch at St Joseph's School, Horwich.

I went in believing in democracy and freedom of speech, but came out thinking the system is corrupt, and I would certainly not be prepared to die for the right of half of these councillors to have the right of free speech.

I feel angry and let down by the system, but accept the decision as I believe in the democratic process. However, I should like to expand on why my faith in democracy has been shattered.

The vote was carried by 12 votes to 11, with one of the 12 votes being cast by the chair and another by a governor of the school. In all my experiences of committees, the chair should only exercise its vote as a casting vote. Why is it different in Bolton Council committees?

It was also very noticeable that the 12 votes were cast by Labour, and the 11 votes by Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. There is also no right of appeal against the decision of these fine, upstanding citizens, who make decisions on my behalf and, they will argue, for my benefit.

During the debate prior to the vote, it was suggested minor restrictions be put on the time, use of the facility, and car parking. At this point the debate developed into a shambles and a farce when councillors didn't seem to know what they were voting for or which amendment.

I left having no faith in the system of local democracy as practised in Bolton, and now believe local politicians are just the same as their national colleagues.

In conclusion, I ask the question: Is there anyone of any party in Bolton who is prepared to stand up to their party machine and stand up for individuals and not follow blindly their party leaders and directives? If there is another Ken Livingstone living in Bolton he would certainly get my vote.

I am seriously concerned that it seems we have a system of decision making in Bolton which doesn't allow councillors to vote as individuals, follow their conscience and vote for what they believe is right.

M A Ball

Sefton Lane

Horwich