FOR the record, I would like to correct last week's Fifth Column article where Peter Doherty stated that, if all the Conservative councillors had supported the Liberal amendment, the Labour budget could have been defeated.

My figures, confirmed by the chief executive's department, show that even with one Labour absentee and members on both sides leaving the chamber because of declarations of interest (in social care charges), Labour still had a narrow majority. Consequently, the direct responsibility for decisions on cuts in social services provision rests with Labour.

What was not stated was that, although some Conservatives supported the Liberal amendment and others abstained, earlier in the meeting when there was a Conservative amendment aimed at supporting the Re:d Centre, and restoring some of the cuts made to social services care packages for people with "substantial needs", the Liberal councillors all voted against us.

Moreover, the Liberals had just recently established a website feature attacking Conservatives in vituperative terms and claiming sole responsibility for attempts to save the Re:d Centre. In fact, Conservatives agreed to approach the issue in collaboration with Liberals through the Scrutiny Panel. This was what I meant by the Liberals not trying to win friends and influence people.

Consequently, your adding fuel to a Conservative versus Liberal dispute is a diversion which serves the cause of the Labour culprits who are still in control by 27 to 24, and therefore responsible for the £4 million cuts and the further increases in council tax, which has gone up by almost five per cent on top of a 58 per cent increase in the last seven years.

Labour could save the Re:d Centre immediately if they wanted to. A U-turn, as on the refuse collection and the private care home charges last year, would be very welcome.

COUNCILLOR ROY E.

WALKER

Conservative leader,

Bury Council.