EACH month we are given the news that we are losing services paid for in our council rates.

We have lost paid workers in community centres, baths and our weekly service altered in the collection of bins.

Our roads are patched up, centre of Atherton is crumbling, empty shops, unfit buildings, weeds growing around the backs of property. It seems that Wigan prefers volunteers, but should we put the Wigan hierarchy to the test and ask them to work as volunteers to save money for the pot?

They won’t do it, so why should we pay when volunteers are doing their work keeping facilities open? Is it only Atherton? What about Leigh sports centre, the baths, the library, the Town Hall? These are not run by volunteers but by the rate payers.

Come on Athertonians, fight for our town and make your voice heard.

Our Town Hall is being targeted along with the library - a place where you could pay your bills, see your councillors, without having to travel to Leigh or Wigan.

I am surprised that such a fine looking building has not been made a listed building then the people of Atherton couldn’t lose it to become another housing estate.

CONCERNED RATE PAYER