Keep our heritage on board

For years the Lib-Dems have masqueraded as the people's champions, all things to all people and, as always, ready to tell the electorate what the electorate want to hear.

They protest all the time in council but when it's time to nail their colours to the mast they abstain, constantly. They collect petitions and then keep them for six months. They spread half-truths and constantly claim local successes sorted out by others as their own.

Their latest theft is the issue of the phone mast to be erected near the Shell garage on Bury New Road. This was dealt with by Ivan Lewis's office, and will no longer go ahead.

In Parliament the Lib-Dems voted against anti-social behaviour legislation that now can be seen to have been successful in combating thugs and yobs in our community.

The Lib-Dems in their Focus propaganda sheet are making political issue with ongoing, amicable discussions between Park View School, Manchester Jewish Grammar School and the local authority over a piece of land on Thorndyke Walk. It would have been nice of them to inform the chairman of governors and head teachers of both schools first, to get the true picture before going to print. But then, they wouldn't be able to jump on their bandwagon when an agreement is reached that satisfies all those concerned and they wouldn't be able to claim another local victory.

Don't forget, this is the same newsletter that for years has preached about "inclusion" but as soon as the Lib-Dems get control of the Prestwich area board they start to try and cull groups including the Prestwich Heritage Society (PHS) that have been there since the beginning. Where's the "inclusion" in that?

Prestwich has a very rich heritage and the PHS want to exhibit this to the people of Prestwich. They and others should be allowed to stay on the area board.

ALAN QUINN

Chairman, Sedgley Labour Party