FURTHER to the letter from Reluctant Council Tax Payer', (Helping hands for yobs on steps to nowhere', Bury Times, August 17).

Oh dear, what a gloomy picture we paint of my home town.

Sadly, much is true, but Ramsbottom is by no means isolated in the points raised. Permit another point of view.

The steps and wall referred to were overdue for a clean-up, the long, high stone wall is a feature as you leave or enter the town centre. It has held back high ground for many a year.

I for one would be interested in its origins, when was it built? By whom? It certainly does look much better now - even steps to nowhere!

I suspect others like me will ascend the steps to enjoy the view. Reference is also made to Nuttall Park, I often walk through the park and have done for many years.

This year it looks superb. A few days ago on a sunny warm afternoon, the bowling greens were alive with competition, the floral displays and the beds a delight to the eye, the large number of mums and dads with their young children enjoying the well equipped children's play area, many more simply enjoying the open spaces we have there, the views of the hills and countryside around.

For me to walk and sit with all these delights is a real joy, permit me to encourage others to make a visit; once the place was a mess, now it's a focal and well cared for part of our town, yes, the vandals do visit and leave their mark, but please name the area in the borough where similar is not true at some time and in some way these days. However, thanks to our local council and its staff for doing so much to give us all such delights, if we only care to appreciate them despite problems.

On an entirely different point, thanks for the wonderful Child of the Year pictures - what a challenge you give us! However, am I the only one who has a little fun and adds a thought bubble to various pictures? Now, there's a thought for yet another competition dare I say? Thanks mums and dad and the Bury Times.

ALAN COOKSON