I HAVE read the letter from Geoff Pollitt (June 25) and would like to respond to one paragraph in which he criticises tenant consultation.

I have been a council tenant for thirty eight years and well remember the times of "Tell them you're going to do it, tell them you're doing it and ask them what they thought of it afterwards".

For a long time, councils (and not just Bolton) assumed that this was the only way to consult with tenants and it continued until at least the mid-eighties, when progress allowed tenants to choose the colour of their front door (if you were second house from the end of a block, you had a red door!)

Since then, tenant consultation has moved on at great speed. There are forty three residents' associations in the borough and twelve Local Community Panels which are open to anyone in a specific targeted area whether tenant or resident. We have not yet reached the blank sheet of paper in consultation terms, although that would be my ultimate aim. Tenants are now asked about everything from environmental improvements to security measures.

A proposed scheme in any area would be discussed, not just with the residents' association, if one exists, but with any tenants affected by that scheme.

Two years ago, a contract was drawn up between the Council and tenants giving the rights and responsibilities of both. Bolton's Tenant Participation Compact as this was called, was the first in the country to be agreed to. It is a living document and is constantly reviewed by groups of Councillors, officers and tenants. Consultation and active participation are at the heart of this document.

If, as Mr. Pollitt suggests, consultation is not being carried out in his area, I would be very concerned. There is an active residents' association, and a Local Community Panel. I suggest he contacts his local housing office for details of their activities.

Margaret E. Clare

Chair Tenant Participation

Reference Group

Chair Bolton South District

Housing Working Party

Silchester Way,

Bolton.

(By e-mail.)