IWAS interested to read your report on the Great Harwood Area Council meeting (LET, February 7) and the remarks by former Hyndburn Council leader George Slynn, regarding the Memorial Park playing fields.

County Councillor Slynn said: "This area has been in desperate need of improvement."

For once, I agree with him. These playing fields are in much need of upgrading, but who is responsible for their current state? None other than George Slynn himself.

In the 12 of the 13 years of the last Labour administration, it cut spending on leisure services, so it could spend more money on other pet projects, which have been well documented in the past.

While in office, Labour reduced the ground maintenance workforce from 42 to 26 operatives. Is it any wonder our playing fields are in such a terrible state?

JOHN FARRER, Mallard Place, Oswaldtwistle.