RESIDENTS in Ruth Kelly’s Bolton West constituency have criticised their local MP after allegations that she claimed thousands of pounds in expenses for luxury fixtures and fittings at her Horwich home.

Ms Kelly’s second home expenses were published by The Daily Telegraph on Monday, as part of its ongoing investigation into MPs’ allowances.

It said she submitted claims for a £3,600 designer sofa, a £2,355 dining table and a £2,000 37-inch plasma television, as well as £2,500 for painting, plumbing and curtains after the house flooded in 2005 — Ms Kelly did not have insurance for the property.

Yesterday, Ms Kelly told The Bolton News she bought the furniture she wanted for her second home and the Fees Office reimbursed her the amount it decided was reasonable — she stressed she paid the majority of the money.

And she claimed the national newspaper had “misrepresented” her.

But when The Bolton News asked people in Horwich town centre what they thought of her spending, most were critical.

Margaret Brown, aged 73, of Flockton Court, Horwich, said: “I think it is disgusting to spend that amount of money. Most people in the constituency wouldn’t spend that kind of money on their houses. It isn’t fair.”

Debbie Charnock-Jones, aged 38, of St Annes Road, Horwich, said: “I am disgusted. My husband and I are facing an £8,000 tax bill and she can claim for a second house.”

Neil Brown, aged 64, of Buckingham Avenue, Horwich, said: “It is my own personal view that she and all the other MPs tied up with this have let the general public down. She is no different to any of the others.”

Eve Bass, aged 32, of Hughes Avenue, Horwich, said: “I wish I was her. I could do with that money. We have enough to pay for without having to pay for other people’s houses. She shouldn’t be getting Parliament to part-pay for her furniture. If she can’t afford it, she shouldn’t get it, just like the rest of us.”

Tony Hollowell, aged 60, from Horwich, said: “I think it is an absolute disgrace. Who do they think they are? I have to get by on £120 a week.”

But Patsy Finning, aged 48, from Horwich, said she thought it was human nature to claim what you could. She said: “I’m not surprised she and the other MPs have claimed this amount of money.”

Ms Kelly who has served as Transport, Communities and Education secretaries had already announced her intention to resign at the next General Election.