SOCIAL services bosses have been accused of "keeping councillors in the dark" over the case of two foster carers who admitted causing cruelty to children in their care.

Leading Conservative Cllr John Walsh criticised senior officers for ignoring requests to brief him and his colleagues - a move he believes would help ensure the events would never be repeated.

Foster parents Lynne Sheridan and Lesley Broughton, of Ennerdale Avenue, Breightmet, forced two young sisters they were caring for to drink washing up liquid as a punishment. They were banned from looking after children for life after both pleaded guilty to two counts of child cruelty and administering a noxious substance.

Broughton was given a 150-hour community punishment order and Sheridan a 240-hour order at Bolton Magistrates earlier this year.

A briefing had been requested as last month's court hearing was about to start by Cllr Walsh on behalf of councillors concerned about their duties "in loco parentis" - meaning in place of a parent to children in the care of the social services department.

But a reply from senior officers dismissing the request claiming there was a need for confidentiality was described by Cllr Walsh as an "insult" to councillors at a meeting of the council last night.

Afterwards, he said: "Except for about four of the council leaders, they have kept us in the dark over this incredibly serious issue.

"As councillors we are privy to confidential information and we accept that as our duty and demand to know what safeguards are being put in place for the future. These children have been terribly let down and they deserve to know we are doing all we can to make sure it does not happen again."

Conservative leader Cllr Alan Rushton's actions in co-operating with officers were defended by members of the Liberal Democrats party.

Cllr Madeline Murray, executive member for social services, defended the officers' actions.

But she added that a briefing had been prepared for Monday when a decision would be taken on what information the entire council would be given.