I AM very surprised the BEN has come out in support of the petrol blockade, especially when in previous editions it has called for more money for Bolton Hospital, and more money for the police and pensioners.

Just where does the BEN think this will come from?

With UK income tax one of the lowest in Europe, and no charges on our roads or in our towns, the only way we can spend more on police, education and the NHS is through indirect taxation.

Sadly, because this campaign is more about knocking a Labour government than anything else, this fact has become hidden and suppressed by newspaper editors and politicians intent on only one thing -- the restoration of a Conservative government.

I do hope this isn't the motivation behind the BEN's position.

P Ferguson

Dentdale Close

Bolton