IN response to Cllr Bob Allen's resignation from Horwich Town Council and his subsequent letter in the Bolton News, he is right to question the current political system in the borough which is far from perfect, however the answer to the many issues we face in Horwich, Blackrod and Westhoughton is clearly to have less influence from Bolton, not more Bolton Council control.
Abolishing town councils is the exact opposite of what is required!
Town Councils perform an important function and our councils should have more powers and responsibilities devolved, similar to many other town councils across the country who provide many more services instead of their district councils. Abolishing our councils would achieve very little, other than further increase the centralisation of resources and in doing so further threaten our towns' unique independent identities.
Until 1974, Horwich, Blackrod and Westhoughton Urban District Councils successfully provided many services with Lancashire County Council proving the rest, independently of Bolton. Farnworth unfortunately lost their council completely. When you compare places in the borough with town councils to those without, it's clear to see the continued benefit they bring. But they can and should do more!
Bob Allen suggests a referendum to decide the future of our town councils, but given the views of many in Horwich, reflected in a recent Horwich First online poll (where 83% of respondents took the view Horwich would be better off without Bolton), I'd suggest any referendum in Horwich, Blackrod or Westhoughton should actually be on our towns' continued membership of this borough.
If we are to abolish councils, maybe the time has come to abolish Bolton Council's control over our towns. Given recent events, a new settlement is required, but for me the answer is not abolishing town councils, it is either increasing their responsibilities, returning powers and assets taken from our towns in 1974, and if the people wish, even forming a new borough with Chorley.
Cllr Steven Chadwick
Independent, Lever Park Ward
Member of Horwich First
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