APART from the summer fete and the bonfire night firework display, can anyone enlighten me as to the purpose of the Edenfield Village Residents' Association? Precisely how has it benefited and improved the quality of village life?

I invite a representative from the association to reply, via this page, listing their achievements. This would satisfy not only my curiosity but also no doubt that of many other villagers.

Continuing with the negative theme. The organising of the fete and the firework display has effectively helped to deprive the village of its one and only football pitch. These are held on the recreation field dominated by the pitch. Over the years, the driving of vehicles connected with these two events and the hundreds of people trampling across the pitch, turning it into a quagmire, have been detrimental to the football pitch to such an extent that it is no longer fit for use. Then there is the danger to players going to ground posed by discarded long thin sparkler wires.

Local football has been an important part of Edenfield village life for several decades. It is a shame that its only pitch can no longer be used because of the inconsiderate actions by some.

I recall, a few years ago, that Rossendale Borough Council threatened to fine the association following a complaint unless they rectified the damage caused.

Perhaps the association's representative could comment on this.

R HANSON

Bolton Road North,

Edenfield