IN answer to Mr Paul E Hilton's letter (August 7).

I did not "rant". I told it as it was. Ask your neighbours, who were there in the street at the time.

You were NOT there, either, Mr Hilton. And, as far as the local forum and the founding of it, I believe that there were others besides yourself -- six or seven others and myself, and a lady from the Council -- who founded the forum.

If I recall, it was originally set up to tackle anti-social behaviour, which Mr Hilton does not mention. And I did not leave the forum when my problem was dealt with, because the forum did not deal with it -- the Council and the police did.

I left because I did not find the forum 'democratic' enough. It did not seem to answer to anyone, and I did know about the forum ending.

I would have preferred a Residents' Association -- 'elected' members, with minutes of meetings. But why blame me, local residents and the Council?

It is a poor workman who blames his 'tools'. Just how did Mr Hilton try to get the residents interested, by calling a public meeting, or did he get out and about, talking to the residents of the estate?

I never saw him or notices or leaflets, except in the first year and, over the three to four years of the forum, I think the estate was only canvassed two or three times about anything.

We are not mind readers, and as for Mr Hilton's suggestion that I tried to get the forum stopped, I must have had to get off my backside then to do that.

No, I did not try to get it stopped. Time took care of that without my help. And, no, Mr Hilton, I do not believe in rewarding anti-social behaviour.

Three-to-four years, Mr Hilton, and all you and your 'friend' have to show for it is a one and only art grant for street signs from last year.

It is much more than I have achieved, I must admit, when other estates are dealing with 'millions' and, no, Mr Hilton, I was not at the area forum because I and others in the Bolton area are now questioning their accountability.

If you think that the Council has failed the forum in favour of the area forum, which your letter seems to end on, then that is between you and the Council -- not me!

Mr Grenville Moore

Iris Avenue

Harper Green

Farnworth