YOUR story headlined "Council demands return of wheelchair" (February 11) incorrectly refers to a service which Bury Council does not actually provide.

The service referred to by Mrs Higson, on behalf of her daughter, Sadie, has nothing whatsoever to do with Bury Council. However, we have to apologise for our delay in getting back to your reporter to clarify this issue and acknowledge that your story was published in good faith.

In fact, the NHS is responsible for assessing and providing both manual and electric wheelchairs.

Bury Council's social services team does provide community equipment for disabled people to help maintain independence, to live more safely within their home, and to reduce the pressure and risk to carers. The council's disability services team, based at Seedfield, undertakes assessment for disabled people who are unable to manage their daily living activities. However, in Bury, as in many places, the wheelchair clinic is separate form the community equipment service.

What we do provide is information, advice and other equipment to meet eligible need., as well as help for people with a visual or hearing loss, or both.

The council is working hard to improve the service and our relationship with NHS providers. Our aim is always to keep the waiting list to a minimum and to provide the equipment within seven working days. Last month 88 per cent of all deliveries were completed within seven days.

LYNDA HUGHES,

business manager,

Disability Services,

Bury Council.