I have been inundated with public support for my proposal that each of Radcliffe, Prestwich and Whitefield/Unsworth should have maximum independence from Bury Council.

People have had enough of paying high levels of council tax for inadequate and in some cases non existent services.

My political opponents have accused me of electioneering (Radcliffe Times April 1) yet 15 years ago as a young councillor I pioneered an area-based partnership in Prestwich well in advance of Bury Council setting up area boards.

I have always believed that communities should have much a greater role in decisions which are made about their wellbeing and future.

Anyway, elections are a time when politicians are meant to put their ideas and proposals to the electorate for their consideration. Every election my proposals are based on the lessons I have learned from my period in office and the concerns of the people I seek to serve.

In the weeks ahead I intend to consult as many residents as possible about what they would like maximum independence to mean.

Early ideas include a substantial budget, control over regeneration, the power to summon senior executive at the town hall to account for their decisions and a comprehensive audit of all Bury Councils resources, including staffing and budgets to identify how much is being spent on the communities of Prestwich, Radcliffe and Whitefield/Unsworth.

Maximum independence is about a fair deal for all our communities.

I welcome people of all political persuasions and non to join this campaign.

Ivan Lewis MP Bury South