I WOULD like to reply to Cllr Silvester’s comments on CCTV cameras.

No-one has the right to watch me carrying out my day-to-day life: it is an infringement of my freedoms. Though I am inclined to support most Labour policies, I would rather suffer a bit of dog mess than know I am being watched to see when I commit a “crime” of dropping some litter. I think that the money we give to the Government should be used to help us, not watch us. Help, as in real help, such as improving services, roads, creating community projects and jobs.

I would also like to remind you that you do not own the town; the people of Bolton do. You are kept in power by the people, and people alone. Do not presume that authority granted to the council enables you to watch us and make us lead, what in your opinion, is a good way of life, ie not be more than three minutes late at a “pay and display” car park, do not drop litter etc.

I would also like to point out that it is hypocritical to stop people putting up fly-posters, considering the amount of Bolton Council propaganda which is shoved in my face upon every empty lamppost/ billboard; quite frankly, I’d rather see an unpatronising fly-poster.

At a time when respect for politicians, regardless of their position on the political spectrum, is at an all-time low, I think it would be wise not to test the public’s trust by watching us to see when we will next commit a “monstrosity”. I think the phrase often used is “jog on”.

Josh Martin, aged 16
Smithills