I WISH to thank you and your staff for all the help I have been given in the last two weeks, regarding the vandalism of a form I had installed in Astley Bridge Cemetery a few years ago in memory of family members.

I was most upset about this, and when I contacted our local council I was told "we have no plans to replace seats or forms in our parks or cemeteries." As I regularly visit Astley Bridge Cemetery to tend to four family graves, I do know that this form was very regularly used by other cemetery visitors.

I have been informed by telephone that Mr J White, Head of Parks and Cemeteries, Overdale, visited Astley Bridge Cemetery accompanied by Mr John Shepley, deputy director of education/culture that the council has given permission for a new form to be installed in about three to four weeks, and the brass plaque to be re-affixed. You can imagine how pleased I am.

I was particularly encouraged by reporter Paul Britton, who advised and helped me so much to contact the council members, cemetery staff, PC Nick Carter at Astley Bridge Police Station, etc. I was almost ready to give up, but Paul was so good and encouraged me to keep on with my pledge to have the form replaced.

With grateful thanks and good wishes to all staff of the Bolton Evening News, a very great newspaper.

Mrs M Hodgson

Smithills