THOSE who attack the new fountain feature in the Longfield Centre should not be allowed to get away with spreading falsehoods and myths for political or any other reasons.

The project was funded through a combination of sources, mainly a grant from the North West Development Agency and the income the council received from the owners of the precinct. Several years ago the council agreed that this income should be ring-fenced and re-invested back into improvements to the centre of Prestwich.

Not a penny for this scheme has come from council tax.

For years people complained that Prestwich was in decline and nothing was being done about it, but this has been turned around and things are now moving.

There are some local politicians who benefit from their permanently negative message that Prestwich is in decline. Now that this is clearly not the case they either promote myths, such as the fountain being funded from council tax, or jump on the bandwagon carrying the grievance of the moment.

I am proud of what Labour has achieved in Prestwich.

COUNCILLOR KEITH GRIME,

chairman, Prestwich Area Board.