Labour Controlled Manchester City Council intends to close libraries, swimming pools, public toilets and other most sensitive services which they state are the 'worse cuts since the war'. Yet although they blame the Coalition for the cuts it is their Government's past bad management that caused this action. However let us digest some of the unthinkable salaries of last year; the Chief Executive £232.000 (up 31% in five years), Deputy Chief Executive £139.000 (up 33.5% in 5 years), Deputy Chief Executive (Performance) £130.000. In fact last year it employed 156 people on more than £50.000 not to mention the £1.97 million spent on the 96 mostly fat cat councillors. If Mr Bernstein took a 10% pay cut in recognition of how much his pay has rocketed and nine other executives all paid over £100.000 took a modest 5% cut almost enough would be saved to retain one of the five libraries facing closure. And can you imagine if all overpaid council employees took a cut or disappeared like some are already doing then there would possibly be no need for any closures. It's time for all Mancunians to unite and rid this council and their hangers on and start afresh.
From John Bottomley 7 Seymour Avenue Clayton Manchester M11 4 LH tel 0161 223 3820