SIR: I refer to Mr Mills' letter concerning Ravenden Woods. We have used and loved these woods for more than 30 years and know each tree like a close friend and when we saw the damage done to these trees in the interest of our, "the public's", safety we were devastated, and in no mood to listen to platitudes from the wardens.

In actual fact, we did search them out, but they were nowhere to be seen.

Platitudes would not have restored these trees to their original magnificence and beauty . It is therefore understandable why people wrote to the 'local' paper on a subject of 'local' interest, after all the BEN is not a scandal sheet. If this action precipitates real debate about the future of Ravenden Woods surely this is to be applauded.

This little wood is a place of sanctuary from a mad world. It is a lovely spot which contains a surprising diversity of wildlife. I would hate to see this spoiled by hordes of day trippers and, more importantly, what comes with them: cars, marquees, hot dog stalls, ice-cream vans, litter and pollution.

So true friends of Ravenden Woods make you feelings known.

T Halton

Elizabeth Rothwell

Cameron Street

Bolton

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