I AM writing in response to criticisms on social media regarding comments I made suggesting that the Liberal Democrats in Bolton are in a mess.

This followed the resignation with immediate effect of the leader of the Liberal Democrats and Smithills councillor Andrew Martin, who has disappointingly shown little regard for the activists who worked hard to secure his election and to the residents who voted for him.

My suspension from the group for highlighting what I consider to be the aggressive use of social media by some Liberal Democrat members means that there is now no Liberal Democrat representation on any council committee or panel including planning.

Between 2004 and 2006, the Liberal Democrats formed the largest group on the council, but now its benches in the council chamber are empty.

If this is not a mess, I don't know what is.

I hope that the party, perhaps under new leadership, will acknowledge the current dire position and begin the rebuilding process.

Cllr Carole Swarbrick

Smithills Ward