IN response to Neil Shard as to why Great Lever, Deane and Daubhill are to get a sports and activities co-ordinator.

The approval of the post of active health co-ordinator is a result of a long process which started in spring 2004. At each stage of this process there are accountability measures in place.

Firstly, the three areas have been assessed as being some of the most deprived in the country, according to a government formula which includes health.

Secondly, the funding for the post is entirely from government neighbourhood renewal monies. Bids such as these are the result of partnerships between the local authority, the strategic partnership, the primary care trust, the voluntary sector and local community groups. The funding has no bearing on council tax whatsoever.

I am sure Mr Shard must be aware that the present demands on the NHS are unsustainable, and prevention is better then cure. This post aims to give members of the local population new skills and increase their chances of employment.

Thirdly, the government would not fund projects that did not meet the stringent application criteria, or could not provide adequate monitoring information.

Fourthly, such posts are first approved by the director and the relevant executive member, in this case education and culture, before coming to me for final approval. This is done at an executive meeting where members of all parties are present, and it is their role to scrutinise the need, the funding and the terms of the post. And they certainly do!

Yes, the officers will continue to seek funding to roll out the programme to other areas, based on strictly assessed need, but we are dependent on the government. In the meantime, people on low incomes can access local leisure services and classes via a subsidised leisure card.

I do hope Mr Shard does not seek to deprive the already deprived, and thank him for giving me the opportunity to put the record straight.

Cllr Julia Sylvester

C/o Members Secretariat

Town Hall

Bolton