In reply to Stephen Morris whose letter in last week’s Bury Times was disparaging about local councillors, we are not ineffective nor do we “hide behind rules”.

At the meeting about the planning application to build a retail store on the site of the now demolished Dragon Pub in Parr Lane, we did our best to ensure that the 200-plus strong audience understood what the planning officers would take into account in either recommending approval of or refusing the application.

After the meeting we sent in objections to the proposed development, as did many of the audience.

We have now been informed that the application has been withdrawn.

It remains to be seen whether the developer will submit a revised application which attempts to deal with the objections.

Meanwhile, will those who, like Stephen Morris think local councillors are ineffective, kindly take note.

Cllr Derek Boden Besses Ward Cllr Joan Grimshaw Unsworth Ward