IT WAS with sadness that I read the letter from "Bury Private Hire Driver" (Nov 17).

Noting that this was the only letter published about the horrendous murder which has taken place in our town, I was rather hoping that it might be a simple expression of mutual grief, an unqualified expression of condemnation, a few words of comfort to the family of this hard-working local man.

An initial glance at the letter might have led one to assume that the inflammatory words which it contained, "intimidation", "holding to ransom", "vigilantes", "threatening," were a reference to the recent blow dealt to the well-being and safety of the Asian community in Bury.

A closer examination of the letter revealed, however, that these words were in fact used to describe Mr Javed's colleagues who, in the wake of this atrocity, had the courage to protest.

Were their actions not a reassuring indication that we still live in a civilised and democratic society where decent people will protest against mindless violence? As a member of the English community in Bury, I sent a sympathy card to the bereaved family of Mr Javed. It took only a few minutes but at least it was sent without qualification, without resentment. It was a simple way of indicating to the Javed family that there are broad-minded people living in our town who welcome diversity and condemn terrible racism and barbarity.

I do appreciate that the private cab driver concerned may not have felt able to stop work on the evening of Friday, Nov 10, as a mark of respect. I would really hope, however, that he, his colleagues and the good people of Bury have found their own individual ways of extending their condolences to the bereaved family.

Let's not be mean-spirited and divisive in the wake of this attack upon all the communities of Bury.

SHOCKED CITIZEN OF BURY