I ATTENDED the Trafford budget consultation meeting at Altrincham Town Hall on December 3, where we were assured by Councillor Anstee that Trafford Council would listen to residents' views on the impending budget cuts.

A large number of those present were councillors or council officers, no doubt paid for their attendance.

The expected topics were discussed, namely school crossing patrols, proposed charges for green bins and devolution of crown green bowling maintenance to clubs after a grant of £2,000 for three years, though clubs will be forced to invest in expensive machinery.

At the end of the meeting, while completing my feed back form, I overheard a white haired councillor from the south of the borough commenting to his wife that just because bowlers are old it doesn't mean that they haven't got any money, they can afford to pay, (presumably for machinery).

Is this an example of Trafford councillors listening to their electorate?

Was the 'consultation' just another box ticking exercise?

If Trafford wants to save some money they could turn the central heating down a few degrees in all their buildings.

Altrincham Town Hall was so hot people wearing t shirts and fanning themselves.

Not a Crown Green Bowler of Sale