AS ballot papers drop through letter boxes in the next few days our community has the chance to define itself for the future.

Are we going to allow the BNP to peddle their hatred and division or do we have the courage and decency to tell them they are not welcome in our communities?

Will our suspicions about the EU cause us to reject our home-grown and highly respected leader Gary Titley?

Are we going to allow the Conservatives to return us to the days of mass demonstrations against cuts in school funding and no money for our parks, pavements or pensioners?

Or will we reward Labour for achieving "most improved council in the country" status by giving them the opportunity to transform Bury into one of the best.

These elections matter. Only by voting can you show that our future is too important to be left to chance.

IVAN LEWIS MP