THE letter from Roger Lees (Sept 6) appears to be more of a personal attack on Mr Higginson than a contribution to the debate over plans for an "information centre" or "community centre" in Church Street, Radcliffe.

I have known Mr Higginson for many years and he does more than most for the people in his community, usually at his own expense and without trumpeting the fact.

As someone who has stood up to be named from the 50 or so traders who signed the petition, I feel it is a little unfair that Mr Higginson's position, or, indeed, that of traders generally, is being misrepresented. There is, so far as I am aware, no objection to the type of centre proposed only to this location.

Mr Lees refers to "bigots and racist idiots" which appears the quick retort these days of those self-interested groups who have little appreciation that broad patriotism and common sense still prevails in this country, if only at present among the silent majority.

Of course genuine refugees should be helped, but how many of the people Roger Lees refers to have come here directly? Most pass through safe countries, attracted by our generous benefits. Most are simply economic migrants.

And what about British passport-holding farmers fleeing Zimbabwe who find on arrival in their home country that they do not qualify for DSS assistance at all?

I believe the Australian government was wrong, recently, to keep refugee boats off-shore, but it was heartening to see politicians with backbone working for their own citizens' interests.

JENNIFER HAYES