ONCE again Guardian readers see the onslaught of personal attacks regarding Clr Mike Hughes' leadership of the borough council.

I note that such criticism was not made on previous leaders of the council on such a scale and would therefore like to put the record straight regarding several points.

With reference to the increase in councillors' expenses, it should be pointed out that this was a unanimous decision by all the councillors whether Labour, Conservative or Lib Dem.

Regarding the closure of the baths, anyone who uses these facilities will have to agree that over many years money has not been invested to improve them, but also maintain them to a safe standard for all concerned. I am sure you will agree if someone was injured as a result of falling glass from the roof then this would be justifiable criticism if the council had allowed the baths to remain in use. Has this lack of investment only happened since Mike Hughes became leader? I think not.

Why, then, were not councillors Gartside and Hannon criticised when they allowed £1 million of council funds to subsidise the rugby league club? Perhaps if they followed the swim teams instead of rugby it might have been different. There is also the question of £4 million for those atrocious skittles and associated street works. Once again public money.

Why didn't the Guardian make this a personal issue on the then leadership? One can only wonder!

I would like to see a change in the reporting of such items. But I very much doubt it.

FAIR REPORTING

Name & address supplied

Editor's note: Clr Mike Hannon lost his position as deputy leader of the council's Labour group following our reporting of the 'skittles' saga.