THE arrogance of Cllr Bob Allen is breathtaking - "Conservatives are not afraid of a challenge", July 19.

In his response to a recent letter by Cllr Roger Hayes, in which he very helpfully and eloquently described some of the discussions that took place between the three parties following the local elections in June, Cllr Allen says: "I suspect most people in Bolton have little knowledge, or indeed interest, in the structure and workings of the council, and so much of what Cllr Hayes has to say is, at best, unhelpful to the voters".

Au contraire. This is exactly the kind of information people need and is extremely useful in helping them - us - make informed decisions about the party we believe offers Bolton the best option for its continued growth and development - manifestly not the Conservatives.

Cllr Allen's conceit for the electorate of Bolton and his dismissive attitude towards the democratic process is astonishing.

His party have behaved like petulant schoolchildren, not wanting to play with the other children, but happy to snipe and jeer from the sidelines.

A clear understanding of the needs of the borough and the wishes of its people, coupled with strong leadership, civic intelligence and open government, are what Bolton needs and what the electorate voted for in June.

The Liberal Democrats can deliver this in spades.

Stephen Bromley

Bolton