AS a newly-appointed executive member, Councillor Hayes is perfectly entitled to express his views on Area Forums.

He gives his reasons why, since Liberal Democrats formed the executive, no meetings of the Forums have been held.

In one aspect he is correct. That is to say that the former Labour administration, despite holding several special meetings to discuss the issue, came to no conclusions. What he fails to say, however, is that under his chairmanship an all-party working group, charged with the task of resolving the issue, was finally called to meet less than a week ago. At this meeting I suggested, on behalf of the Conservative group, a possible arrangement for nine rather than six Area Forums based on the new ward boundaries.

Labour members also put forward their ideas. After some debate and discussion, some changes were made and a workable scheme was agreed by a majority of 6-3.

Liberal Democrats failed to offer a comprehensive scheme, merely addressing certain areas of the borough. Councillor Hayes then announced that the Liberal Democrats would present their proposals to the executive, where Liberal Democrats alone have a vote.

This will then need to go to the Council for final approval, thus losing even more valuable time before the new Forums can meet. The truth of the matter is that there did not need to be such a delay.

Councillor John Walsh OBE

Conservative

Astley Bridge Ward