ONCE again, as we approach the May local elections, the bandwagon has passed through Wingates, and the first people aboard are the Lib Dem candidates claiming credit for everything happening in Wingates.

The latest "Focus" claim that, to upgrade the playing fields in Holden Lea, a grant in excess of £30,000 has been procured by the Lib Dem Party.

As one of the people involved in this proposed scheme, I can definitely state no input has been sought or received from any political party.

The facts are that, along with a colleague, I attended a conference in Blackpool, where we sought funding from various sources, including the Coalfield Regeneration Fund.

After receiving guidance we reported back to Wingates Residents' Association, where we are both members of the committee.

I have since attended three further meetings with the relevant officers of Bolton MBC to investigate other sources of funding, where a basic plan for the scheme was proposed.

To date no funding has been granted, nor has the scheme been finalised, as it was agreed that Wingates residents, via the Residents' Association, should have some input into the format of the final scheme.

Alan M Rhodes

Chorley Road

Westhoughton