I HAVE noticed of late that many of Bolton's councillors have decided to vent their feelings on a variety of issues through this newspaper.

Am I being sceptical, or is this because many of their seats will be up for grabs during the next local elections.

The issue of fortnightly emptying of bins continues to provoke reactions from all sides of the council, and now our MPs are airing their views.

I would like to ask Cllr Hayes if Bolton Council would be financially penalised if we reach our recycling targets and the other authorities in Greater Manchester do not?

Is Bolton classed as an independent authority as far as recycling is concerned, or is it classed as part of Greater Manchester?

Cllr Hayes has stated that going back to weekly collections of the grey bins would lead to an increase of 3.1 per cent in council tax. I would be grateful if Cllr Hayes would let the people of Bolton know what the cost is per household for emptying the grey bin, and how many grey bins are involved.

Labour are also moving away from their earlier position of supporting the Liberals on this issue, as they now realise this could cost them votes at the next elections.

I have no doubt that the council will be looking for council tax increases in the region of five per cent for the coming year, and therefore I would suggest that the people of Bolton start challenging the councillors and senior officers at the area forums to make the services more efficient.

Mr B J Griffith

Springfield Road

Sharples