A CONTROVERSIAL decision to build a psychiatric nursing home near primary schools in Little Lever has provoked a bitter row between two prospective MPs. Tory Paul Carter and Labour's Dr Brian Iddon have locked horns over Bolton Council's decision to give the go-ahead to the scheme.

Mr Carter is calling for an inquiry claiming there has been a "cover-up."

But Dr Brian Iddon denounced the claims as "totally untrue" and "out of order".

A survey of residents has been carried out by Mr Carter over plans to build a 12 bed home on behalf of Wigan and Bolton Health Authority - close to St. Matthew's and St. Theresa's Primary Schools on Foundary Street, Little Lever.

Mr Carter said: "So far I am astounded by the results of the survey.

"One hundred per cent of replies say people are unhappy with the way the council has approached the scheme and they would not have accepted the proposal if they had known the full facts." Mr Carter when the council first wrote to residents last April it was regarding a 12 bed nursing home: "The Council has behaved in a shocking way in not revealing details not only to local residents but also to nearby primary schools.

"To place a psychiatric home next to a primary school has to rank as one of the most inept decisions yet carried out by Bolton's Labour council.

"Who knows what kind of patients will be placed there?

"What effect will this have on those parents deciding which primary school their children attend?"

Mr Carter claims Dr Brian Iddon helped conceal the facts.

However, Brian Iddon dismissed the accusations and said: "Christine Churchman, a Conservative councillor, was on the council at that time and had access to planning applications like all other councillors. She had time to examine all the proposals. It was a decision made by officers under delegated authority. "As chairman of housing at that time I would have had nothing to do with the health authority's proposals.

"It is too late for an inquiry. What would that achieve? All the decisions made were above board and were advertised. It was an all party decision.

"I totally resent Mr Carter's comments. He should get his facts right.

"If there had been one objection at the time of the application then it would not have gone through. But not one resident turned up at the planning meeting apparently."

Mr Carter said he will urge the Local Government Ombudsman to investigate.

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