COUNCILLORS are to go on a trip to London - to visit a Hindu temple.

The outing to the largest temple in Europe at Neasden has been organised by a Bolton Hindu group.

But Bolton Council will pay £40 a head towards the cost of councillors and town hall officials going along.

The trip includes a half-day guided tour around the temple.

Councillors are currently being asked to put their names down for the trip on Saturday, April 25.

A group from Bolton Council went along last year, although it is understood that trip was funded jointly by the Hindu community and Bolton City Challenge.

Mr John Shepley, deputy director of leisure service, explained the purpose of the trip.

He said: "Bolton has a large Hindu community and we felt that this was an inexpensive way of widening our horizons and increasing our knowledge of Hinduism."

But Cllr Norman Critchley, the leader of Bolton Council's Tories, said: "There is a large Hindu community in the North-west and I would have thought that they could find out all they need to nearer home.

"If a lot of councillors decide they want to go, then it could cost a lot of money.

"At a time when the council tax has just gone up, I don't think this is very wise - particularly when they went last year.

"If they feel there is some benefit from going, then I believe it should be limited to one councillor and one council officer and they should produce a report when they return."

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