IT is a bit rich of Cllr Clare to accuse the Conservatives of hoodwinking the electorate with a game of deception about congestion charging (April 11).

That is exactly what Labour is doing when she and Cllr Morris say they are waiting to see what is on offer in relation to the Manchester charge.

That is already known.

The facts are: 1. Manchester wants to extend Metrolink to solve its congestion problems. However, the Government will not finance the project without a congestion charge.

2. Metrolink will not be extended to Bolton because it is impractical to do so on the existing rail track and too costly on the A666/A6.

3. Manchester does, however, need income from a congestion charge from people who live in Bolton but who go into Manchester to work and shop and for leisure purposes.

This is why the congestion charge is too high a price to pay for a road and railway transport interchange - which will simply take more people away from Bolton into Manchester.

Three of the other boroughs in the Greater Manchester area have seen the light - and voted against the proposals.

They have had the good sense to realise that the main beneficiary from such a scheme will be Manchester because the Metrolink extension will take business away from their town centres.

Why is Bolton Council dithering when it is plain for everyone else to see?

They are not going to be offered anything else.

R Swindells Bolton