AS chairman of the Ramsbottom Chamber of Trade I write in response to the article (Bury Times April 9) which referred to a potential grant made available to Ramsbottom by English Heritage, on condition that local businesses matched the funding.

We were amazed to read that - reportedly - no response had been forthcoming from businesses in the town. As far as we are aware from our enquiries, no local business had been consulted.

We were therefore bitterly disappointed to read that this money has been transferred to Prestwich without Ramsbottom being given the opportunity to put together a scheme in the area designated by English Heritage. We look forward to hearing a full response from Bury Council explaining the events leading up to this decision.

KEITH WENSLEY,

chairman,

Ramsbottom Chamber of Trade.

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