I HAVE read with interest the adverts put in your paper about the increase in precept from Horwich Council and it is strange that Cliff Morris has not checked what we provide that his Labour controlled council at Bolton doesn't for Horwich residents before placing it in the paper. Firstly the increase was agreed across party including the Labour and Conservative representatives! The amount, only equates to an increase of £3 per year (60p per week) on a band D property this increase has been made to help provide more money to help many of the voluntary groups who provide services to our community which are not provided by Bolton's Labour controlled Council!

Bolton's Labour controlled Council have increased the costs of road closures from £300 to £800 for events such as our carnival, St Georges day parade, carnival races and lighting of the Christmas tree. The only way these events can carry on which are part of Horwich is if we help fund them, keeping them for the people of Horwich. I negotiated the funding of the Remembrance Day parade with Bolton Council to prevent losing the parade because of the cost of road closure though we had to shorten it!

Horwich Council provide many other services from the precept: We fund our own heritage centre preserving our history for future generations run by volunteers who also work with local schools. We support Horwich Carnival, Horwich prize Morrismen, RMI Operatic Society. Youth Express and the lighting of the Christmas tree. We have our own CCTV and produce a Town guide every two years. We also have our own resource centre providing many varied activities and even our own website.

So when Cliff Morris makes statements he should look at the value for money we provide for our precept and our increase of £3 per year compared to his Council's cuts in services and also we must remember this is an election year and like many other marginal Councils the government settlement has been much larger this year, allowing for a lower rise in Council tax!

Steve Rock Ainsworth Ave Horwich