REGARDING Cllr Barrow's remark that caused so much concern.

I do not consider there was any grounds for legal concern as, the way I read the quotation of his remark, it was in no way racist, but was an understandable observation that Bolton council's (Labour) endeavour to be seen as anti-racist gave more credit to ethnic minorities rather than being truly even-handed.

As a Liberal Democrat, I hold no specific brief for any Tory or Labour councillor. But it did appear that the original complainant, Labour Cllr Elaine Sherrington, seemed to be trying to gain political points by stirring up the matter.

However, perhaps although Blackrod Carnival is very good in itself, the inclusion of ethnic minority elements could make it more flamboyant (eg Notting Hill-style).

Keith Billington

Brownlow Road

Horwich, Bolton