I WRITE regarding the possible takeover of Rossendale by Bury and Rochdale Councils.

This came as a shock to me and I am sure to many other people in the borough, and seems at first sight to be a predatory approach by Bury Council. Nevertheless, we need to be rational in our approach to such matters, so a few thoughts come to mind:

The council covering Bury and the lower part of the valley would be absorbing a large area containing perhaps 35,000-plus people. What would be its name? I certainly would not support simple absorption under the name of Bury MBC. A new name would be needed, possibly Bury and Rossendale MBC.

Education is a matter close to the hearts of those with children and this must be a major consideration. Lancashire is one of England's larger education authorities and can offer a wide range of services, while Bury is the smallest. Can Bury offer as good a service as we enjoy now? Those in Whitworth might like to ponder that Rochdale education service was so bad a couple of years ago, it was threatened with takeover by the Government!

Police, fire, ambulance: people in Rossendale will need to know that the levels of service being offered will be at least as good as that given now, and that buildings, facilities and personnel would remain. Of course we are well aware that these matters are beyond the remit of Bury and Rochdale Council.

PAUL BRADBURN