THE relocation of BMW from Manchester to Bolton is good news. However, proposals on the Government's radar to implement the congestion charge became clearer, when it has been revealed that Tony Blair has secretly signed up to a pan-European road pricing scheme at the EU Summit in Brussels.

This further taxation on the motorist would have serious effects on the long-term development and regeneration strategy of the town, driving the public away to other areas to shop.

If road pricing is already forcing businesses to quit Manchester, why would it be any different here in Bolton?

The town will continue to decline - which is evident for all to see, due to the numbers of empty shops and outlets closing in prime locations.

Is it any wonder that Britain's beleaguered motorists have become the most over-taxed motorists in the world, while at the same time investment in road maintenance is being slashed by Labour-controlled councils?

Cllr Diana Brierley, Conservative Spokesman for Regeneration, Bolton MBC