I AM delighted that the Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority have decided to postpone the timetable for the closure of the special care baby unit at Fairfield, but we must not be complacent - the threat still remains.

I have no doubt that the decision to defer the consultation is not because of the publication of the new National Services Framework, but because of the tremendous efforts of the Babies First campaign. I would like to pay tribute to them and to their dedication.

The threat to the SCBU may have been delayed until after the probable date for the next General Election, but we need to keep the pressure on to ensure that this short postponement is eventually turned into a permanent U-turn.

ALEX WILLIAMS,

Conservative Parliamentary

spokesman for Bury South.