IN an attempt to penetrate the raft of negativity which often seems to dominate your Letters page, can we be allowed to begin to redress the balance?

Three years ago our area was in severe decline - anarchy was a byword, open and blatant drug-taking went on 24/7, and working pimps and prostitutes were in abundance. People were reluctant to walk in our central area, which had become virtually a No-Go Zone. We had murders, knife attacks, GBH, indecent exposures, intimidation, drunken louts, petrol bombs and anti-social behaviour in all its facets.

The good news is that today we are well on the way to massive and significant improvements, and the area is beginning to change beyond all recognition. The paradox is that all of this has been achieved by the very people who are so often called "useless" - ie. the Police, Bolton Metro staff, Bolton at Home staff, councillors and MPs. To save the academics years of analysis, can we share the simple answer, "The community got involved as well".

The positive message to all those community correspondents out there is "Think Bigger", "Think More Broadly" and "Think Deeper". Apply your considerable intellect to working with local agencies and reduce the number of times you stand on the sidelines and throw "Single Issue Bricks" (they are, of course, necessary from time to time). Get involved and show some leadership in your communities - you will be surprised at the results you can achieve.

The success story of The Haulgh is emerging as a star because, finally, that vital "Community Ingredient" was introduced into the recipe - you can do the same.

Walter Scott

The Haulgh

Community Partnership