I WANT to add my voice to the many who are concerned about the demolition of the old 18th century Red Lion pub in Westhoughton. Although I do not think it would be suitable for housing dementia patients, situated as it is on a noisy, busy road, I do think it should be strengthened and repaired and perhaps mothballed until such time as this government changes its policies towards the drinks trade.

Unfortunately, we have lost too many iconic and historic buildings in the area of late, including may pubs and usually, nine times out of ten, they will be replaced by something awful to look at or nothing at all such as a car park. We have lost the old fire station to what now looks like the exterior of Forest Bank prison. We have lost Clarence Street school, the Gypsies Tent and the Wellington, the magnificent Art Deco Odeon cinema, the list is endless. these old pubs are the only means of keeping our heritage alive in Bolton for future generations and it is sad to see then wiped off the face of the earth. I am just waiting for a last minute u-turn on this one but I shall not be holding my breath.

Mohammed Ismail,

Ladybridge.