A COUNCILLOR accused town hall bosses of behaving like Big Brother after being told what could be on the agenda of his own area board meeting.

When a member of the public lambasted the state of roads on the emergency route to Fairfield Hospital, Bury West chairman Councillor Bob Bibby said: "I asked for it to be put on the agenda but the chief executive held out on it.

"He said he had the final say what can be on it, which in my opinion makes a mockery of the area boards."

Co-opted member Alan Cookson, from the Headteachers' Association added: "I find it astonishing that the chief executive, who is not an elected member, can say that to councillors."

Coun Bibby, a Tory, was angry that the issue could not be discussed formally after a report by Bury's Community Health Council recommended that an alternative route to the hospital be found. The area board, which met last week, voted unanimously to forward the feelings of disgruntled members to the council cabinet.

Chief executive Mr Dennis Taylor said that the hospital route was already due for discussion by various council committees.

He said: "Coun Bibby was told it was already being formally considered by the council and it was not necessary for it to be on the agenda."