COUNCILLOR John Byrne, the council leader, has broken his unnatural silence following the embarrassing defeat in the High Court over the closure of old people's homes.

His letter (Sept 13) was quite eloquent at first, explaining to the reader the history behind the need to offer different methods of caring for the frail and elderly in our society. But then the verbal volcanics that Coun Byrne is so famous for in the council chamber

erupted again, as his letter disintegrated into all-out attack on all Lib-Dem and Tory councillors who have a different viewpoint to his.

A tirade of offensive adjectives described them as "petty" and "mean-minded", and Coun Byrne went on to label them "opportunists" with their politics described as "cheap and uncaring". Ah, yes, this is the John we all know and find so comical, except the reality here in Bury is not amusing at all.

I still have visions of a 90-year-old lady, using a zimmer-frame, leaving one of the old people's homes, dazed and concerned.

You see, Coun Byrne, it is not the fact that a variety of provision should be made for the elderly, whether that provision be more care in the community or a place in a home, which bothers people. What matters to them is the way you and your council treat people when tackling such problems. Councillors and others in authority should show them respect, not blatantly disregard their basic human rights.

Have you got the message yet, councillors Connolly and Byrne, and chief executive Mr Sanders?

A. THORN

(as "in your side").