WHILE walking around Bury Grounds and Castlecroft playing fields it was pleasing to see that the grass was neatly trimmed, as the verges have been for several weeks.

How different to previous years when the ground was allowed to become overgrown. Could that possibly be because the fields are now for sale to friendly developers, whereas previously it was only for use by the general public?

It was also noticed that there were signs of wildlife - rabbits and squirrels - returning to their former habitat. Perhaps there are even foxes roaming at night looking for a meal, and most certainly there will be hedgehogs judging by the number of slugs available on the menu. So will a cull be carried out so that no wildlife interferes with future developments?

By the way, will the requirements relating to the trees and pathways be met or will it be like other developments in the borough - a lot of noise from councillors in public but very little action until it comes to spending the taxpayers' money on rearguard actions they will not win?

Other items worthy of note in the same ward are the provision and extension of cycle paths along Woodhill Road whilst the road surface remains pitted with ruts and potholes, creating danger to cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists alike. And the flagged steps leading to the west bank of the River Irwell, installed by the council when the famous cycle path was laid, are now vandalised more than ever.

D. F. UPSON,

Freestone Close, Bury.

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