SIR: I refer to the article you published in Saturday's August 21 Bolton Evening News, entitled "Friends attack action agenda" and wish to correct errors in the article. I wish to make clear that the "blueprint for the future" referred to in the first paragraph of your article is not the Council's environmental blueprint. The document referred to is in fact the draft Agenda 21 prepared by the Bolton Environment Forum. This document never was, nor was it intended to be the "Council's Agenda. It is true that the Environment Team as well as other Council officers have been involved in producing the document. However, their role was to facilitate the process, not lead or impose the Council's views on the Forum. Referring to it as the Council's blueprint does a significant injustice to the many local people who actively participated in its production, including voluntary organisations, the business community, local colleges, conservation groups and many individuals who are all concerned to improve the Borough's environmental performance. In fact, over 130 members of the local community were involved in the preparation of an excellent and comprehensive document that identifies the major environmental issues facing Bolton.

The draft Agenda 21 is currently being consulted on and many constructive comments have been received. These will be considered over the next month before the Environment Forum holds a major conference in the town to agree the final Agenda 21. This document will not only identify the local environmental issues, but will include an action plan that will identify the organisations and major players responsible for bringing about environmental improvements. In addition, it will also establish targets and indicators to measure performance over time.

Bolton Environment Forum will therefore continue to play an active role in encouraging and supporting improvements in the local environment. The Forum is open to anyone to join and if any of your readers are interested, then please contact any member of the Environment Team who will provide you with details. You can also obtain a copy of the draft agenda by telephoning Bolton 371111.

Jack Foster, Chairman, Bolton Environment Forum,

Milton House, Wellington Street, Bolton BL3 5DGa

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