I WOULD like to respond to the article about our mayor, Councillor Connie Fitzgerald (April 16).

I am surprised and disappointed that the Bury Times printed this slur on such a wonderful mayor. Coun Fitzgerald has done a brilliant job in her mayoral year and has been an outstanding ambassador for Bury, as well as diligently and efficiently carrying out her duties as a councillor - facts that this neighbour should take into account.

She probably has no idea of the demands that civic duties put on both Coun Fitzgerald and her husband.

So what if their pet dog barks to greet the return of its loving owners. I am sure that the barking does not go on all day and all night. It probably lasts for only a few minutes.

This neighbour talks about "sheer exhaustion" and "lack of sleep" - well, she should try going to 900 civic engagements.

My advice to her would be to buy a set of ear plugs!

GILLIAN, JIM AND YVONNE EAGLE,

Pennine Close, Bury

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