AT a time when our greenbelt is under serious threat it is important that our representatives actions are closely scrutinised.

The Times on February 13 carried a story about Sheffield Council (Labour run for years) and its controversial tree felling programme.

Thanks to local action groups this scheme was halted in March last year and recently the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman found the council guilty of not giving reasons for decisions and giving misleading replies to an inquiry.

A freedom of information request first revealed the council's misdeeds.

Here, in one-party dominated Bury, we must rely on independent-minded councillors and action groups like Bury Folk to protect our interests.

Malcolm Curtis

Chestnut Avenue

Tottington