UNFORTUNATELY I do not get a copy of the Citizen delivered and was therefore unaware of the correspondence relating to the Mansion House at Longton until the Reverend Martin Rogers' letter and my photograph were drawn to my attention following your publication of August 20.

Being unaware of what had been printed, I have obtained relevant back copies and I am appalled by the suggestion of Mrs T.M. Slater, of Broadgate, Preston, (August 6), that I might be receiving back-handers from E.H. Booth and Company, and I thank the Rev Rogers for his letter of support.

Firstly, can I assure Mrs Slater that I have never said that the Mansion House is derelict.

I know Longton and this building extremely well and would not have made this mistake although I have described it previously as of little architectural value and an obvious liability to its owners over recent years.

Secondly, can I inform Mrs Slater that I have never received or would consider accepting any back-hander while acting in either a private capacity or during my 20 years' service as a local councillor. I am advised that what Mrs Slater has said is a defamation of my character and is grossly untrue and therefore deserves a public apology from her.

I hope that Mrs Slater will have the good grace to put pen to paper once again and unreservedly withdraw the assertion she has made.

Councillor Jim Breakell

Hutton and New Longton Ward

South Ribble Borough Council

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