A good record

Showing a picture of Manor Court was itself misleading, giving the impression of a major local development. The properties concerned are two small former staff houses which have been unused for some considerable time. If they were to be used to accommodate children, then the total number would be no more than three or four at any one time.

To suggest that any such children have behaviour difficulties is also misleading. If the houses were to be used for the purpose of providing accommodation, they would be for local children who need to live away from home for a number of reasons including, for example, the death of a parent/a parent in hospital.

Bolton has a good record of delivering this type of initiative which has been successfully developed over a number of years, supported by competent staff and well received by the local community.

To ensure the Council is making the most effective use of its buildings, a range of options for the houses, including disposal on the open market, need to be considered before any final decision is made. As in all previous cases, there would be full consultation with the local community with any further development, whatever the location, is proposed.

At this stage there is little more that can be said about the houses next to Manor Court, except to express my very real disappointment at such a negative reaction to the Council and the children who need all our help and support.

Councillor Cliff Morris

Chair of Social Services

Editor's note - Perhaps if the council had been open about its plans when asked, there would not be any confusion. Our reporter voiced the concerns of the residents when asking if children with behavioural difficulties would be housed in the grounds of Manor Court. If this wasn't the case, then why not say so?

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.