COUNCILLOR Derek Boden's outburst (Oct 19) against benefit cheats is really an attack on the poor. Asking residents to identify and "shop" cheats is not a recipe for good community relations.

He must know that it is only the poorest residents who suffer the indignity of filling-in a 12-page application form for benefits, and the disclosures and evidence required actually cause many borderline applicants not to apply.

While Coun Boden says he is equally determined that those entitled should get their benefits, he describes numerous weapons to be used against the "cheats" but offers no help for those entitled to, but not getting, their benefits. And there are many thousands of these.

Come clean, councillor, how much is this witch-hunt against the poor costing us, and how much is our council getting from the New Labour government for doing their dirty work?

J. SCHOLLICK.

West Drive, Bury.