YOU would assume that our (well-paid) local councillors would make sure that there was a basic element of efficiency in matters directly affecting their electors, particularly so close to election day.

Letters from the Planning Department have been received notifying us about another new application for development on Fish Fold Farm, off Park Road, Westhoughton. It invited us to view the plans, either at Bolton Town Hall, or at Westhoughton, when the Area Planning Officer makes one of his regular visits.

Sadly, the regular visits were abandoned several weeks ago and there is no copy of the plan available at Westhoughton -- the only area the plan affects -- two weeks after the original notice was dated.

However, this comes as no great surprise. Two weeks ago, notices of tree preservation orders were sent out after virtually all the trees on the site had been axed. Two recorded delivery notices were sent out to some houses, but other houses bordering on the site received none.

How much have Council Taxes gone up?

Tax Payer

(name and address supplied)