I AM writing to assure the residents of Bolton that the Labour Group has no plans whatsoever to increase charges for on-street parking.

Council members have not considered any reports regarding on-street parking charges, therefore, executive members have not taken any decisions whatsoever regarding the proposed charges that were reported in The Bolton News on Wednesday, April 4.

We realise that this is a contentious issue and any decision will be considered in detail by members of all parties at a policy development group in the new municipal year.

I can also assure members of the public that we are listening, and understand the genuine concerns expressed by the residents of Westhoughton.

Furthermore, the Labour Group shall ensure that the views expressed to us are fed into the policy process when the council does consider its overall approach towards parking policy.

Cliff Morris, Leader of Bolton Council