I WISH to thank The Journal for their article last week ('Call for Justice').

It was most helpful and I have received names and addresses of the worst offenders which have been handed over to the police. The filthy language and action will cause problems very shortly to their parents.

In reply to the council spokesman, the funds available should be apportioned to all tree areas, shortage of funds is sometimes bad management.

Councillors have too much power, they should not be allowed to take control of peoples' private gardens.

I would challenge the council in a European Court for Human Rights but for the outrageous legal costs. My case is certainly an infringement.

As for conservation, Tyldesley is a good example. 100 years of it. Different from Wigan who may have used all our allocation of funds to rebuild a new town with all mod cons. Astley cannot boast even a public lavatory.

If the council are so concerned about heritage and conservation make Astley Hospital a health and care centre for 200 senior citizens or a modern community centre, somewhere for parents to take their children instead of roaming the streets doing damage. Give them a a chance!

Joseph Massey

The Meads, Astley

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.