I WRITE in reply to the letter from Mr A. Metcalfe (Jan 28).

I have owned Twine Valley for 18 years and prior to that Ramsbottom Angling Society leased the fishing waters for a nominal fee. The society had an opportunity for 20 years to purchase the site, but preferred to pay a pittance of a rent.

So why did they not invest in their club, described as "one of the oldest fishing clubs in the world"?

Twine Valley and the Fisherman's Retreat employ 10 people full-time and 20 part-time. The valley provides enjoyment for local schools, more than 600 fisherman (fly and coarse) and 60,000 visitors every year. Fewer than 50 people would benefit from the area were it still "controlled" by Ramsbottom Angling Society.

The "wildlife potential" is not an issue. The wildlife is there for all to see. There are more than 200 varieties of wild flower and plants, providing a haven for the abundant bird and animal species. Unfortunately, there are no otters: perhaps what Mr Metcalfe witnessed 30 years ago was a pair of mink.

My family and I have invested our livelihoods in this valley. The description of this new project of mine as being a "dream" was the choice of the editor of the Bury Times, not me. I am not a dreamer . . . I am a doer.

Being envious makes people oblivious to the facts. To make "loads and loads of money" one must invest loads and loads of money.

HERVEY MAGNALL

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