SIR: It came as no surprise to read in a recent edition of the BEN about Cllr E Johnson's disapproval of the extension of the Red Moss tip after such adverse publicity meted out to him after his TV appearance.

Since that report we have been informed, all four of the Labour district councillors who are the people's representatives on Bolton MP for Horwich and Blackrod have also disregarded their previous unanimous decision to cover the Red Moss acres with millions of tons of stinking domestic waste, so it is obvious why these councillors are known today as the 'mysterious four'. What a U-turn.

Next May, one, or maybe two of the mysterious four will be seeking re-election but, the electorate will be aware about why such vote-catching methods are necessary to remain as their representatives on Bolton MB.

If the Minister sanctions the Red Moss as a landfill site the original unanimous decision by Bolton Labour Councillors will have been responsible for that decision and the electorate should vote accordingly.

L Watkinson, Manchester Road, Blackrod

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.