THE letter (April 8) describing Ramsbottom as a lawless town was very distressing.

However, it has to be said that the deterioration in law and order is something which is of the gravest concern to elected members serving on the Ramsbottom, Tottington and North Manor Area Board. Indeed, incidences of youths causing annoyance and vandalism - as well as more serious crime - are now unfortunately a regular feature at almost every meeting.

In 2002 a group of Conservative councillors unsuccessfully attempted to see the then Home Secretary David Blunkett but did manage to see Oliver Letwin, who was at the time the Shadow Home Secretary. We put the situation to him very forcibly and he reinforced his commitment to increase the number of policemen on the beat and reduce their paperwork. Unfortunately our action met with considerable criticism from some of Burys Labour councillors.

At the last council meeting the Conservative Group submitted an amendment to the Bury Plan condemning the reduction in police in the Bury area and at the same time called on the Home Secretary to guarantee funding to improve the overall level.

Imagine our amazement when this appeared to be interpreted as tantamount to scaremongering and right-wing. So what category do weapons of mass destruction fall into?

As far as I am concerned, Britains police are second-to-none. They operate unarmed and that is something which I would not wish to see change. But they have been hamstrung by successive Acts of legislation the Human Rights Act to name but one. And while some areas of crime may have reduced, I find it difficult to accept that this is the case overall; certainly taking this area as an example.

So, in conclusion, if wanting local people to be able to sit in the privacy of their own homes safely and undisturbed, wake up in the morning without finding their property damaged, walk the streets without fear, and for businesses to be able to trade without boarding-up their premises, makes me right wing then I, and others, must hold up our hands! But, I wouldnt mind guessing that this aspiration is precisely in tune with the thinking of "The Great British Public".

COUN DOROTHY GUNTHER,

chairman,

Ramsbottom, Tottington

and North Manor Area Board.