WELL, surprise, surprise. Bury's council tax charges are going up above the rate of inflation again. It seems that this is the only area in which they consistently our-perform others and my recent experience of dealing with the local authority makes me understand why!

A Whitefield resident for more than 35 years, I was planning to open a business in the area, which is sorely needed and should create employment opportunities. I thought I had found the perfect location, a former home in Stanley Road for people with learning disabilities. It has been unoccupied for many months, but still requires maintenance and has security lights on each evening.

I contacted the council to enquire about the possibility of purchasing or leasing this property and was amazed by their reaction. They did not know what they were going to do with it but it was apparent that they considered it to be none of my business and that they weren't prepared to even discuss it. I still haven't got a clue what their intentions are for this property, but I know it's costing money and is one more example of the council's inability to utilise its vast resources.

Perhaps it's going to be converted into more warehousing, despite the fact that it is surrounded by half-empty premises advertising space that nobody seems to want. All I do know is that dealing with our local authority is a nightmare.

For example, can anyone imagine the Elms Square fiasco happening in Wilmslow? Or a building like Whitefield Town Hall standing empty? It's our fault. We don't get out and vote and we allow the same time-servers to claim their generous expense allowances or index-linked pensions year after year.

Me? I'm going to put my money into a business-friendly environment elsewhere and pay £1,000 a year in council tax to an authority that spends it wisely.

JOHN GARLICK,

Ashbourne Grove, Whitefield.