I AM pleased that the Standards Board for England has thrown out the complaints over alleged misconduct made by a Labour councillor against Conservative councillors Yvonne Cresswell and Denise Bigg, both of whom are extremely well regarded by the people they represent.

The complaints were rejected on the grounds that, even if the allegations were correct, they were not of such significance to justify an investigation by an ethical standards officer. Unfortunately, although the Standard Board for England have decided to throw out this complaint, the matter could still be referred to Bury's own standards committee.

Therefore, I hope that common sense will prevail and that we will not find Bury's Labour-controlled council spending taxpayers' money on an investigation. Particularly now, at a time when, due to the disappointing financial settlement Bury has received from central government, decisions might have to be made regarding cuts in essential services - perhaps affecting some of the most vulnerable people in the borough - as well as a council tax increase way above the rate of inflation.

DOROTHY GUNTHER,

Conservative councillor,

North Manor ward.