SIR: This is in reply to the letter headed: They don 't seem to care (BEN, July 7).

Perhaps firstly the dissatisfied pensioners of Grierson Street bungalows and their spokesperson would care to exclude Mrs Hamer of Eckersley Road bungalow from their missive. She and her family adjacent, and their forbears have been privileged to live in the area and enjoy the natural beauty of the Astley Brook Valley, this green lung in an ever improving environment in an otherwise mundane, yet old and historical area of our town. There is an uplifting view, the best aspect of which the complainants have full and unhindered benefit. Despite the valley being: a cradle of the first grim activity of the birth of the cotton industry and its associated bleaching and dying, and formerly host to massive tipping of ash waste from the areas cotton mill boilers, it is now a wild and pleasing tranquil home for nature, protected by its physical inaccessability, yet there for all to see - a striking view from town to moors above. Secondly, we the undersigned can only confirm the due and fair diligence of the Environmental Health Department of Bolton MBC, in investigating any nuisance complaints received by them in relation to ourselves and the use and amenity of our properties and the effect on our neighbours. In such regard we would assure the complainants in their anonymity, that we can see no reason for constant policing of smoke and smell situations emanating from our premises, a view which we are sure could be confirmed by the relevant authority. The pens in the valley are again a pleasure, wholesome recreation for their users, and sadly a generally fading reminder, a living testimony to a strong proud Lancashire culture of hard work and simple pleasures, self help, a knowledge of life, and a thirst to achieve success and beauty in work, plants and animals. Where else are flowers and vegetables, horses, ducks, geese, wild and domestic, hens of all varieties, racing pigeons, pigs, goats, wild mammal and kingfisher, bats and owls, etc., stream fish, etc. etc.. along with recreational fishing ponds second to none, caringly maintained by Bolton Anglers Association, to be seen in such an unexpected, relaxed and charming setting so close to the madness of modern living.

We cared first. We cared so much that we are here. Wouldn't we all be better enjoying what we share than manipulating it away?

Duttons, Hamers, A-Z Car Spares

The Penkeepers

Eckersley Road and

Astley Brook Valley, Bolton.

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