REGARDING the Neighbourhood Renewal Community Chest, as a member of a sports and social club allied to the Feniscowles War Memorial Recreation Ground, I have come to the conclusion that a lot of the applications for grants are not looked at in great depth by the assessment panel.

An application was made by the trustees of our charitable trust for a grant to replace safety railings next to the children's play area. The application was supported by the local headmistress whose pupils use the recreation ground, by committee of the Safe Play Area, plus numerous other worried people.

The trustees were informed days later that the application did not qualify to receive funding because it failed to pass the following assessment criterion: "Does it provide value for money?"

Since when has the safety of our children depended on "does it provide value for money?"

BRIAN WHITE, Risedale Grove, Blackburn.