COUNCIL chiefs have been urged to use "plain English" ... even when they are bidding for Euro cash.

They came under fire when it was revealed that they have asked for 5.236 million ECUs for a housing scheme.

New Labour Cllr Mrs Barbara Ramsden said: "Can we have more plain English used in these documents?"

Mr Nick Moule, housing research and development officer, explained that an ECU is worth around 88p and the bid will be approximately £5 million.

He added: "We do take the point. But the bid has to be submitted in ECU."

Housing renewal sub committee councillors were told that the cash would be used to improve the quality of life in the Breightmet, Johnson Fold and New Bury areas. But the council will be bidding against towns and cities all over Europe. Mr Peter Young, assistant director of housing, said: "We could be bidding against Rome, Milan and the like, so it is very difficult to say how we will do."

Chairman Cllr Tony Connell added: "We will be competing with towns from all over Europe.

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