I AM never amazed at the allegations made against Bury Council without any evidence produced to substantiate them, especially by people who hide behind pen-names. Such a person is "True Blue" (Your Letters, Feb 5).

He/she picked one item as being "waste", namely £24,000 spent on meals "for councillors and the like".

All I can say is that such spending is approved by everyone, including Conservative councillors. Furthermore, as most meetings are in the evening, many people come straight from work, including those who are neither councillors nor council employees.

I am amazed that any Tory can talk about neglect of the sick, the old and the dispossessed.

Which Government ran the health service into the ground? Which Government broke the link between earnings and pensions? Which Government brought about record bankruptcies and home repossessions? Which Government forced some £30 million cuts on Bury Council in five years? Which Government's last budget expected council tax to rise by some eight per cent per annum for at least three years?

If "True Blue" is defending this record, it is hardly surprising that he/she wants to remain anonymous!

COUNCILLOR JOHN BYRNE