BOLTON’S Conservative group has launched a stinging attack on the town’s Labour council ahead of Thursday’s local elections.

With the Tories defending half of the 22 seats up for grabs, this is the toughest year in the election cycle for Bolton Conservatives.

And while the group looks set to hold “safe seats” in Bradshaw, Hulton, Bromley Cross, Astley Bridge, and Heaton and Lostock; their positions in Breightmet; Darcy Lever and Little Lever; Horwich and Blackrod; and Westhoughton North and Chew Moor do not look so safe.

Bolton’s Conservative leader, Cllr John Walsh, who is not standing for election this year, said: “Labour has run Bolton almost every year since 1980 and I hope people will reflect on their leadership before they vote.

“Only this year Labour has closed five libraries after a sham it called consultation.

Labour councillors did not listen to a single objection because as always they believe they know best.

“These same Labour councillors support a totally unfair allocation of Area Forum funds ranging from £98,504 for Rumworth to only £27,725 for Bromley Cross.

“Under Labour’s allocation a voter is worth in Halliwell £9.21 but in Westhoughton North and Chew Moor only £2.73. It is unfair and Conservatives oppose this.”

Labour leader Cllr Cliff Morris said: “The draconian cuts to the council budget that could top £100 million by 2015 shows that this Government does not care about the impact this will have on local services and jobs.

“By voting Labour on Thursday you will be supporting councillors that will look after vulnerable children and adults and prioritise their needs when having to save money.”

There are 22 seats up for grabs. There are 22 Labour, Lib Dem and Tory candidates; 11 Greens; two independents, two English Democratic Party candidates, and one BNP candidate.

To read full statements from each of the three main parties, see tomorrow’s The Bolton News.