I could do your job for you, but I won’t . . .

I actually thought he was employed in a textile mill because he is the best yarn spinner I have ever met.

Coun Connolly's years of experience in teaching would automatically give him the expertise to be a spokesperson on education (even though he is part of the Labour group that was desperate to close two of our finest schools), as executive member for resource and performance Coun Connolly, I believe, has no qualifications.

I would not be foolish enough to speak on education because I realise my limitations in that sphere, however after 40-plus years of a successful business career, which encompasses some understanding of accounts, I do feel qualified on this topic.

In his letter, Coun Connolly states with breathtaking arrogance "in 20 years of Labour control this council has overspent its budget once and that was only £83,000" I think that he is teasing us all just a little.

As chairman of the resource and scrutiny panel (which keeps a watching brief, but lacks the authority to alter executive decisions), I assure readers that accounts prepared after only three months of the financial year are already showing projected overspending of almost £700 000 this year.

These accounts have also been approved by the executive.

Now, if Coun Connolly is correct, then the wheels have really fallen off the wagon and we are in what one would say is almost terminal freefall.

After all, to only lose - sorry, overspend - £83,000 once in 20 years, and then to expect to blow almost £700,000 this year tells its own sorry tale .

I have on many occasions written regarding this nightmare scenario of overspending and increasing mountains of debt and, frankly, one must believe me, or Coun Connolly. The question is why the need to cut £10 million from the budget this year and why do we need to sell our assets?

It has been written by Coun Connolly that "there is a transparent scrutiny process" and this is true, but the scrutiny panels cannot alter decisions of the executive. In fact, as many readers will be aware, this executive is totally intolerant of any one who might have any ideas that are different to theirs.

For example, many parents of children of the two schools set for closure attended an executive meeting to attempt, in a democratic way, to put their point of view. Coun Campbell (the leader of the council) and Coun Connolly just swatted away their concerns.

We are asked "will the Tories for the first time in 20 years deliver an alternative working budget?" So I will respond clearly - NO. Why not? Because having sat through two Labour budget presentations and listened to amendments suggested by ourselves and the Lib Dems all that happens is that Couns Connolly, Campbell and Byrne raise their arms in the air to vote against the amendments and, like a flock of sheep, every Labour member also votes against.

For Conservatives to prepare a full working budget, would take tens of hours working with the council's director of finance (whose time is extremely limited and precious) as well as many hours of my own time. And for what? To be voted down and ridiculed and then, in all likelihood, have our ideas lifted. Sorry Coun Connolly, I could do your job for you, but I won't.

As a part of our pledge to residents of Bury, Conservatives will at all times endeavour to keep council tax within the bounds of inflation, without having to reduce services to our taxpayers.

For many years I was elected as treasurer of a local community organisation, that provided services to its members. During this time we maintained and improved on all our member services without ever once having to increase our membership charge above inflation.

It can be done, it will be done. It is just that the political party making the decisions should know how to do it - and Conservatives do know.

COUN PETER REDSTONE Chairman of the resource and performance scrutiny panel