THE SNIDE remarks made by Greg Pope (Citizen, June 20) regarding his Tory opponent at the next General Election did nothing to enhance his reputation.

After all he has not exactly lit up the skies since being elected four years ago.

He has done plenty of "slamming", "slating" and "attacking" the government, but very little else. He has been a nonentity.

With the selection of Peter Britcliffe as Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate, the borough has now got the "People's Choice", someone who will listen and take on board their needs and problems.

Mr Pope has on a number of occasions been referred to as Sir Percy Blakeney, the Scarlet Pimpernel - "they seek him here, they seek him there, the electors seek him everywhere". It may be that Mr Pope will reflect on his crass statement after the election - when he could well end up Hyndburn's third choice.

John Farrer, Mallard Place, Oswaldtwistle

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