AS local residents opposed to the building of more houses in Tottington, we noted Councillor Matthews' "no comment" on planning matters (Your Letters, Aug 20).

While appreciating the ethics surrounding his inability to comment on such matters, we would still question certain aspects of his position.

When canvassing for local elections, prospective councillors never seem to have any problem with stating their opinions on issues which they hope will gain them votes. These often include local and environmental concerns. So why, when we ask for their support, are their views suddenly shrouded in secrecy? Have the developers also received a "no comment" response from members of the planning committee and, if so, why have they taken it upon themselves to publish a glossy sales brochure, showing the planned development and pictures of the properties being offered for sale at the Bury Road site? Or do they know something that we and the planning committee do not?

Under the circumstances we can only wait until the votes of the planning committee have been cast and then, hopefully, the electorate will be able to decide if their councillors are in fact representing their views. If not, they know what to do at the next local elections.

In the meantime we will continue the fight against the developers' apparent aim of joining together Tottington, Brandlesholme, Woolfold and Summerseat to create one massive housing estate, with no consideration for the impact this will have on existing local resources, people, wildlife and the environment.

SUSAN MAWHINNEY,

BRIAN BARNES

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