There is a small item in this week's Messenger "Town hall is shortlisted" regarding the fact that Trafford has been shortlisted in three categories in Local Government Awards.

Impressive! Or is it? This is no more than a self-satisfied pat on the back for Mr Anstee and his Conservative colleagues. They nominate themselves for this award. Which is then judged by "influential" commentators from the private and public sector.

What a pity that the parents of the disabled children who had their transport cut and the residents having to suffer a filthy incinerator near to an already highly polluted school, can't vote.

Add to that the permission they granted for coal bed methane extraction right on our doorstep. Then the cuts to services while borrowing £6million pounds to build a depot for a private company. The list is long and depressing.

A cynic could be tempted to believe that this "award" is possibly timed to coincide with the local elections.

Mrs P Preston
Urmston