THANK God there are still decent, unselfish people like David Jennings who are prepared to confront the threat from Keith Talbot over the Whitehead's and Parker's lodges.

If the reported intention by Mr Talbot to "fish them or fill them" is true then he has guaranteed the rejection of his proposal. Is there a council anywhere in the country that can be seen to be responding to threats or blackmail?

If his plan is rejected he could "fill them" and blame his action on the local council and the many protesters. David Jennings' offer has undermined any such shifting of blame. Any attempt now, or in the future, to drain the lodges would be seen for what it is: a spiteful and bloody-minded action aimed at destroying wildlife habitats and drastically affecting an area of outstanding beauty and leisure.

Mr Talbot knows it is entirely at odds with the wishes of a vast number of residents around Bury and is just seen by many as a ploy to open the area for building development.

GEORGE ETCHELLS,

Gisburn Drive, Bury.