THE "Anonymous, fed-up Chorley Old Road resident" paints a very bleak, unfair picture of life in Halliwell, and accuses councillors of doing nothing.

Anti-social behaviour by a few residents we accept cannot and must not be tolerated and, together with the local visible community policemen, the new CCTV on Chorley Old Road and the community's co-operation, we are determined to send out this message.

However, to fail to mention that the majority of local people are honest, decent, upstanding members of the community, who are working hard to raise the confidence and community spirit in the area, is unforgivable, and does a great disservice.

Councillors failing to do their duty is a nonsense too. For many years we have gladly invested time and money in Halliwell, spending millions on refurbishing homes, always insisting landlord properties become accredited in order to raise standards.

How heartened we were to see the community turn out in force to the opening of the new £1m Sure Start Family building, exactly as they had previously when we all walked to the opening of the new £2m Oxford Grove School and Halliwell Library. The refurbishment of the old Hatfield Road Library is well under way for use by the community.

Who do you suppose fought for all this investment, if not your councillors?

"Fed-up resident" were you there on these occasions? If not, is it not time that you joined in and supported your fellow residents who care and understand that only by working together with local representatives, local Residents Associations and groups, and our excellent community development team at the Urban Care Centre, can we continue to raise the morale of everyone in the area.

We are very proud to represent local people with such an enthusiasm and determination to make Halliwell a great place to raise their families, and will continue to speak up for our Halliwell people at every opportunity, despite cynical opposition.

Cllr Linda Thomas

Cllr Cliff Morris