FOR Mr H Horne to attack the system of quangos (Letters, September 9) is legitimate, although it is naM- ve to suggest that the work of a non-executive director of a hospital trust begins and ends with one meeting a month.

To link it with a personal attack and to suggest that only mercenary motives have led to the resignation of a local councillor, a previous leader of Burnley Council, is unjustified and crudely ill-mannered.

Why was such a cheap jibe given so prominent a heading?

As chairman of a local residents' association, I have worked closely with the councillor for years. I can testify to her capabilities, her integrity and her unstinting efforts to improve conditions in Trinity Ward.

To describe her achievements as "a poor track record" is ludicrous. She is no Jekyll and Hyde character. It can be predicted that she will show the same dedication in her work as a non-executive director - a dedication beyond the call of duty!

JESSIE PEDLOW (Chairman, Piccadilly Area Residents' Association), Sefton Terrace, Burnley.

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