OPPOSITION councillors have hit out at rampant secrecy in town hall corridors.

They fear that the all-Labour Cabinet is becoming all-powerful to the detriment of local people and democracy in general.

The Tories and Liberal Democrats joined forces to protest at plans to delegate certain powers to officers and one or two councillors rather than go to a proper meeting.

These include increasing fees and charges, approving the school holiday pattern, and giving official responses to Government consultations.

Tory councillor Roy Walker compared Bury to Bolton in that it was becoming less democratic and giving more powers to the cabinet.

Liberal Democrat councillor Vic D'Albert added: "Many members, although reluctant to say so, have concerns about the system and the clarity and process of democracy. This should be under-pinned rather than undermined."

Tory leader David Higgin, also speaking at last week's council meeting, said there were no longer any real debates in the chamber.

"The cabinet system is reducing democracy, and Labour are hammering the final nail into democracy, even taking power away from its own members. We are beginning to serve notice on most councillors of compulsory redundancy." But the charges were firmly rebutted by council leader Derek Boden, who said there were no grounds for their claims.

He pointed out that Labour had given the chairmanship of three committees, including standards and probity, to opposition councillors and had not imposed a party whip on these.

"We also have 30 minutes public question time at all meetings, and publish cabinet papers in advance," he added. "We have enhanced democracy significantly."