JILL and Terry Pemberton's letter (July 30) headed "You can't call it consultation" raises a number of concerns about plans to develop a scheme to provide independent living for local people with mental health and housing needs.

The Pembertons are correct that the aim of the scheme is to build 12 self-contained, one-bedroomed flats on Mill Road, off Walmersley Road, Bury. However, contrary to the claim in the letter, the scheme is aimed at people with mental health needs, not learning disabilities.

The scheme aims to provide good quality homes and a friendly supportive atmosphere for its residents. Like everyone else living locally, it is envisaged that the new residents will need to use a full range of local services, including leisure, employment, education, shopping and public transport.

The project proposes a tenant support worker to be available, to provide support five days a week to help residents develop and improve their skills and confidence, and a caretaker will be on hand to act as a "good neighbour". Residents will also have access to community health and social care support in line with their individual requirements. This will include access to the 24-hour support service available to any Bury resident with mental health needs.

Proposals for building and landscaping work seek to improve the look of the current site. West Pennine Housing Association and Making Space have an impressive record of developing projects of this type and have offered nearby residents the opportunity to visit similar schemes in order to gain a better idea of what is planned.

People with mental health needs already live in all parts of the borough and are drawn from all socio-economic groups, religious faiths and ethnic backgrounds. This scheme is aimed specifically at supporting people from within our own borough and, as such, I hope it will be seen as an asset to the community, not a threat.

COUNCILLOR

TIM CHAMBERLAIN,

executive member,

health and social services.