AT the Council's Budget Meeting on February 28, Liberal Democrat councillors proposed an amendment which expressed 'disgust' at Bolton's controlling Labour Group.

This was for proposing an increase in Council Tax of 5.8pc without consulting the public on the matter via a referendum, leaving aside the cost of conducting a referendum which would be substantial.

There are arguments to be made on both sides of this issue. But one expects honesty and consistency from councillors, and it would be difficult to exaggerate the incredulity which greeted Cllr David Wilkinson's support of the amendment.

Cllr Wilkinson is, of course, the Leader of Liberal Democrat-controlled Westhoughton Town Council, which has recently decided to increase its precept by 7pc with absolutely no consultation with residents of Westhoughton like myself.

Could Cllr Wilkinson explain to the voters of Westhoughton why he is disgusted, when a Labour-controlled council puts up tax by 5.8pc without a referendum, when he himself is happy to put Westhoughton tax up by 7pc, without giving me and the thousands of others he purports to represent, any say in the matter?

Councillor Guy Harkin

Deputy Leader

Bolton MBC