I really must protest at the continual exchange of unpleasant criticisms between councillors of different political parties in the Bury Times, which at times becomes quite personal.

I believe these letters are not of general public interest and that arguments between councillors do not do them or our council any credit - quite the reverse in fact. We have 51 councillors (too many in my view). The ones I refer to are relatively few in number, but their output is far too great. I suggest they should confine their disputes to the council chamber and not through correspondence in the local press.

DEREK RYDER Bury