Despite the length of his response to my letter, I note that Bernard Slingsby did not challenge the facts.

This I must consider progress in itself.

Furthermore if he reads it again, he will see that I was not simply attacking the current administration but asking questions about real commitment from those charged with leading the borough.

I am also sad that my letter should lead to another rant, full of his usual allegations about waste but not supported by facts.

It seems that in Bernard’s world, he is always the only one keeping in step.

And what about the Conservative leader’s assurance that if elected as a Tory councillor, he would be able to vote as he wanted?

If Bernard believed that then he must still believe in Father Christmas!

And should he want proof, he should follow the various scrutiny committees which have no decision making powers.

Yet, even here, the Conservatives use their majority to suppress any form of real debate and to squash any hint of doubt or criticism of their leader and his executive.

John Byrne Rochdale Old Road Bury