I REFER to the story regarding the use of council property in Harwood for a base for disadvantaged children. A statement is attributed to Cllr Prentice Howarth, accusing the Tory councillors of ...... mischief-making ....." and " ...... stirring up opposition in the Harwood area ...."

I find it amazing that this Labour councillor can be so ill informed, not only about the feelings of the people of Harwood but also about what her colleague, Cllr Cliff Morris, actually said at the meeting to which she refers.

It was my understanding that Cllr Morris actually started his discourse by stating that the children will be seven-years-old, and may have behavioural difficulties or their parents may be ill or have died. After being pressed "by the people of Harwood" he changed this stance and agreed that they could be up to 17-years-old.

May I also ask what is wrong with council estates in Bolton? Does Cllr Prentice Howarth feel that Bolton council houses are not good enough for "these children"? What is it about council estates that Cllr Prentice Howarth finds disgraceful?

Any empty council property could/should be earning an income for Bolton MBC and, as can be observed, there are numerous such houses on council estates. In fact, the possibility of using empty properties in New Lane for the children concerned was raised at the above meeting, but a satisfactory response was not obtained from the councillors.

It seems to me that the councillors should get their act together and issue a joint statement that is both factual and to which they can all agree.

A V Taylor

Linfield Close, Harwood

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