IN seeking to justify his refusal to accept my suggestion of some limited free parking to support Bolton town centre, Cllr Roger Hayes says I should have first raised the matter at the policy development group (PDG).

Let us be clear. The issue arose because the environment department, under Cllr Hayes Executive, sought to introduce more pay and display spaces. This was the first time this particular site, Marsden Road, was brought before other councillors. I thought that, in a democracy, the purpose of a committee report was to open debate, not to merely rubber stamp.

Under Cllr Hayes and Liberal Democrats, it would appear not. Incidentally, it would be difficult for any councillor to raise the matters of car parking policy at the PDG, as Cllr Hayes suggests, as the group has not met for several months. Who is responsible for calling the meeting? It is of course Cllr Hayes himself.

I rest my case that he does not care about the future of Bolton town centre.

Councillor John Walsh OBE

Conservative Environment Spokesman

Astley Bridge Ward