MYSELF and many residents in Atherton are disappointed with the recent social media post from a certain Wigan independent party member and former councillor.

The recent posts displayed great negativity against the local environmental project Bluebell Boundary, which has been undertaken by local volunteers and Atherton Environmental Projects.

This group has been around since 1996 as a voluntary group to build and promote the green spaces of Atherton and Howe Bridge and they have won many awards for their efforts, including Wigan in Bloom awards.

We urge the volunteers not to take any notice of these posts.

All the residents I have spoken to really love the new Bluebell Boundary, which promotes the green space, while we look forward to working with the local primary school to keep the history of Bluebell school and Bluebell public house known.

Keith Sumner, 76, chairman of Atherton Environmental Projects, said: “The Bluebell Boundary is the first of many projects we have for Atherton as we work with the Wigan in Bloom co-ordinator.

“We have had two independent councillors for the last eight years and they have never once contacted us to get involved with AEP to improve the green areas in Atherton.”

I hope AEP keeps up the good work and I hope to keep working with the group and the volunteers in the future on this and other projects.

Also, the Bluebell Boundary sign was created by local volunteers to mark the history of the area with the help of Wigan Council officers and was made locally through the council and placed on land that is being maintained by the group itself.

The ex-councillor should know that we should promote positive groups instead of posting negative comments.

Cllr Martin Aldred, Atherton Ward