MP David Chaytor suggests last week appealing for donations' to save the Lowry painting.

Why is he asking for the public to buy it again to bail out a council who cannot balance their budgets?

If, for instance, his cap in hand appeal is successful, what is to stop Bury MBC pulling the same stunt further down the line when strapped for cash again?

Why should an asset be sold to bail out a failing council when cuts could be made elsewhere, ie the overstaffing of Bury MBC?

Mr Chaytor also mentions a new library for Ramsbottom but does not mention that the knock-on effect of selling the Lowry should Bury lose its accredited status by the MA.

Come on Mr Chaytor and Mr Lewis . . . stop toeing the party line and do the job you are supposed to be doing for your constituents.

Get more funding from central government, then you won't have to beg for trustees to protect what belongs to the public already.

On another subject, I am an ex-employee of a nationalised and privatised utility. When the closed shop was disbanded, staffing levels were streamlined, giving more job satisfaction for those who wanted to work and an end to lead swingers. Awards for having taken no sick leave in the year was a letter of thanks, not an extra day's holiday as given by Bury MBC at the public's expense again.

The only gripe I have from the Thatcher years, and believe me I am not politically motivated, was that her government forced Radcliffe to become part of Bury MBC and that has been disastrous for Radcliffe and the other four towns who make up the Metro.

EILEEN SLINGSBY Countess Lane, Radcliffe