I NOTE from your issue of September 30 that Bury MBC has at last made a decision regarding Osborne Walk, Radcliffe, although it is obvious that this will not end the vitriol existing between the "pros and cons", and which has resulted in acts of wanton vandalism.

Bury Council -- and Radcliffe councillors in particular -- must accept the blame for not sorting out this problem many years ago when proper discussions with all parties could have led to a reasonable solution, without recourse to the law.

Typically, however, this self-righteous council has used a sledge-hammer to crack a nut.

Another alarming letter concerns the continued dumping on Ryders Farm -- now referred to as Radcliffe E'es -- where the mounds created have obscured your correspondent's view so that she can no longer see Whitefield in the distance.

Since the incorporation of Radcliffe into Bury MBC, we have got used to being "dumped on", but this was supposed to end many months ago.

Again, Radcliffe councillors have been conspicuous in not defending the town against a further travesty being conducted by the MBC.

The nine-hole golf course and landscaping which was supposed to appear on completion of tipping, is now out of the question.

Again, because of the indifference shown by Radcliffe councillors, it is not surprising that correspondent David Ogden (Letters, September 23) is worried by what is happening at Radcliffe Cricket Club.

The racecourse is an integral part of the history of the town and, although much of the land has been sold off or developed, the last vestiges must be protected. So I intend to join him at the club's AGM and I hope many other like-minded Radcliffians will join us.

Finally, I would like to comment on the letter from Councillor Sharon Briggs, relating to councillors' expenses. This was a complex letter which led me to believe in the old adage: if you cannot convince, confuse.

From what I can understand, the panel is an independent one appointed by the council, but subject to public scrutiny. Having seen the way this worked with the committee relating to the proposed care home closures, the committee consisted of council lackeys and sympathisers, together with a few independents. The results were the same, for the council ignored the findings of the committee and did what they wanted.

May I suggest that a truly democratic panel be appointed, with the absolute power to grant or deny increases in allowances.

Even though I am very busy, I would be quite prepared to sit on such a panel and to do my utmost to ensure that the councillors were paid what I thought they were worth.

BERNARD SLINGSBY