THE war of words over the controversial 30 per cent pay rise awarded to Trafford Council leader is set to continue.

It follows a declaration by the new Labour leader Cllr Andrew Western that should Labour take control of the authority next May, the additional money amounting to £9,000 would be rejected.

Currently, Labour has 27 seats to the Tories 33 seats.

Cllr Western, who replaced Cllr David Acton as leader of the Labour group in Trafford last month, claimed the move was the right thing to do given the pressures currently facing the local authority.

The current council leader Sean Anstee, accepted the rise against a backdrop of proposed cuts, which include making 200 council staff redundant, closing most of the borough's remaining children's centre, getting rid of one third of school crossing patrols and chopping the budget to libraries as well as cutting off domestic help to some of Trafford's most vulnerable citizens. The cuts will help the borough save more than £24m in 2015/2016.

Cllr Western said: “I know that many residents were as outraged as I was by Councillor Anstee’s decision to vote through his own pay rise at a time of unprecedented cuts to services.

"Quite clearly, it’s one rule for CllrAnstee and another for the rest of Trafford.”

“I think that’s unacceptable, but actions speak louder than words. That’s why, if Labour take control of the Council in May, I will return the £9,000 pay rise."

In response Cllr Anstee said the Conservatives had reduced total allowances paid to councillors by £35,000 and senior management pay by £85, both moves which Labour had voted against.

He explained: "Labour has consistently voted against our efficiency savings which have resulted in more money for front line services.

"Trafford Labour group still haven't explained their actions to residents - they have voted for more spending on councillors, more spending on expensive officers and more spending on back office support services rather than the front line.

"I can pledge that whilst Trafford remains under my leadership, we will not follow the Labour group's approach and reverse Conservative cuts to councillor allowances and senior management pay."

Send your views to sam.editorial@messengergrp.co.uk