ORRESPONDENT Mike Badham (Mar 9) hit the nail on the head in his letter about the latest council tax hike.

As for voting out the guilty parties, he will be relieved as I am that this opportunity is but a year away for voters across the borough. Perhaps the powers-that-be hope we will have forgotten by then. Some hope!

And, surprise, surprise, on the same page there was a pompous letter from the deputy leader of the council trying to justify the council tax increase. Since he is in fact-finding mood, perhaps he could answer the following questions.

How are people on low incomes who are just above the level for additional benefits to supplement their wages meant to cope with another rise, along with utility payment increases? How can Coun Byrne justify another increase when so many in his ward will definitely feel the pinch, whilst seeing poorer services for higher council tax?

How can he talk about these "sound financial processes being in the interests of Bury people" when money is wilfully wasted on road schemes in the centre that have caused chaos in recent weeks?

Finally, if he is in the mood for lecturing people on "facts" can he tell us why, in spite of demolishing homes on Willow Street some time ago, the regeneration has amounted to little more that the appearance of a portacabin and three men drinking perpetual cups of tea?

These are answers that readers will be keen to see on this page. So, don't be bashful councillor. What's the story?

TAXED OFF