THE Prime Minister has called on Boltonians to trust in the government’s long term economic plan — and vote Conservative in May, 2015.

David Cameron has kick-started the race for votes at the next general election, after penning an exclusive letter to readers of The Bolton News.

In it, he says the government must stick to their plans for the economy, and urged Bolton residents to recognise the work completed by the coalition since May 2010.

He said: “After the deepest recession since the war, Britain has the fastest-growing major economy in the world, and towns like Bolton are driving that.

“To ensure that progress continues, we need to stick to our long-term economic plan.

“But the true test of this plan isn’t just whether it brings Britain’s economy back to health; it is whether it makes life better for you – for the readers of the Bolton News.

“That means you should be able to expect some fundamental things in life.

“Those who want to work should be able to get a decent job. That’s why we’ve been backing British businesses every way we can, so they can create those jobs – and it’s working.

“Since the election, there are 91,000 more people in work in this part of the country.

“And in the North West in particular, we’re doing some vital things – like supporting regeneration schemes such as the Horwich Loco Works, and investing in high speed rail to link up our great Northern cities and encourage more investment, businesses and jobs to take root here.”

He adds: “After years of hard work and sacrifice, our long-term economic plan is working for our nation and for the people of Bolton.

“That’s why we’ve got to stick to the plan – and keep securing a better future for you and your family.”

Chris Green, the Conservative candidate for Bolton West — one of the most marginal seats in the country — welcomed the Prime Minister’s words.

He said: “As the prospective MP for Bolton West I am heartened by the economic recovery that is clearly gaining ground in the constituency.

“As the Prime Minister says, not only has unemployment fallen locally, but there are exciting new developments such as the Middlebrook Masterplan and redevelopment of the Loco Works.

“For me it’s not just about the new investment, but it’s also about doing it right and ensuring that we have the right education and health provision locally as well as improvements to our transport network.”

But Labour MP Julie Hilling blasted Mr Cameron’s letter, arguing life has not been made better for people in her constituency under a Tory and Liberal Democrat government.

She said: “David Cameron is clearly out of touch with hard working people here in Bolton West when he sends patronising letters telling us everything is fine.

“When I speak to residents and businesses here in my constituency they are not finding the economy is working for them – their energy bills are going up, they are being forced to pay 20 per cent VAT, along with a mean and unfair bedroom tax, and our NHS is under threat from Tory privatisation through the backdoor.

“I want to see a government that will tackle the cost of living crisis, stand up to the predator energy companies and protect small businesses by cutting business rates, not one that cuts taxes for the rich and support for the poor.”

Read the Prime Minister's letter in full here.