COULD it be the general apathy surrounding local politics these days, or is it just that most people were content with the knowledge that the Bolton Evening News was there -- just like it always was -- to cover what was happening in Bolton Council?

Whatever the reason, it was nevertheless surprising that after all the protests over the council's closed-to-the-public, cabinet style meetings, not a single person turned up yesterday when councillors bowed to pressure and held their meeting in public.

Old style Bolton Council meetings were never well attended by the public -- unless some burning issue of the day, such as old folk's home closures, was being debated. But there was never a monthly council meeting which failed to attract at least a handful of voters to the gallery.

So now that the council has demonstrated that it DOES listen to public opinion, we urge people to make the most of the opportunity to see the council in action. It is interested to see how the borough is run, and at times it can be quite entertaining too!

If members of the public don't take up the offer, it may become an excuse to take it away again. Easy target for the thugs OUR story today about the elderly woman targeted by louts who have smashed up her various cars makes dismal reading.

It is impossible for most of us to comprehend what satisfaction these yobs derive from vandalising cars belonging to a 68-year-old woman.

No wonder Mrs Joan Gahan is frightened to sleep at night.

She is so demoralised by the vandalism she feels she may have to leave her bungalow unless the attacks stop.

It is appalling that someone like Mrs Gahan, who just wants to get on with her life without troubling anyone, should be subject to such harassment.

A 68-year-old woman is an easy target. Those who are causing the trouble for her are cowardly thugs.

We urge Mrs Gahan's neighbours to keep a watch out for any unlawful goings-on. If they are suspicious about anything they should alert police immediately.

And if any of these vandals are ever before the courts, we hope they receive the most severe sentences possible.