IN reply to Andy Morgan's letter (Saturday, March 5), most ordinary people understand that, in setting a budget, councillors sometimes need to discuss proposals even with political opponents because, whether we like it or not, Bolton is a split council.

They will all have different priorities on where the money should be spent, but nevertheless have a duty to the public to arrive at a decision which they honestly believe is in our best interests.

Believe it or not Andy, decisions made by councillors cannot always be popular. To suggest that there is a Lib Dem pact with Labour on the council is nonsense.

Let us reflect on the fact that, over many years, a superb Labour council ran this town and, if people can be blamed when things go wrong, then surely they should get the credit when they go right.

What was the opinion of the independent inspectors at the time Labour lost control? Let me remind you excellent.

This was not just achieved by elected members. They had the skill to appoint good directors and officers who ensured we recruited a good workforce.

So, there is a very "real choice" between the old Conservative policy of cutting jobs, thus inevitably cutting services, or bringing back a Labour group which will maintain as "excellent" the standards of Bolton Council.

John Hartshorne

Blackledge Street

Bolton