I HAVE just visited Westhoughton Library to see the exhibition about the overspill fight in the 1960’s and the subsequent building development from the 1970s.
There are aerial photos from the 1950s and maps of development plans.
The exhibition shows the intentions of Manchester City Council to compulsorily purchase land and properties in Westhoughton to make way for the building of 12,300 council houses for 42,000 people!
These proposals were opposed successfully by Westhoughton residents at a public inquiry and Manchester withdrew their interest in 1966.
Winning this battle prevented Westhoughton becoming a massive council estate and enabled private development of houses to prevail .
Residents of Westhoughton should be grateful for the objectors who won this overspill battle.
However the exhibition also shows that there are still threats to more building in Westhoughton outside the permitted zone and this is another reason why the residents of Westhoughton should know the background of their town described by this exhibition.
Edna Ratcliffe
Linfield Close
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel