IF a scoping exercise was undertaken for the proposed development on the Cheadle Square site, would the planning department let us know what criteria convinced them this was the right thing to do?

Last year I read in this paper that the council had undertaken a scoping exercise for the best use of Moor Lane. Perhaps an undesirable plan for Cheadle Square may precede another one for Moor Lane… If the two sites are linked could the Cheadle Square building be serving as a screen to isolate the civic buildings from, say, a supermarket or other undesirable edifice?

My own scoping exercise reached the following conclusions; Cheadle Square should be left untouched for another 70 years providing a wonderful entrance to our civic buildings. Moor Lane should be left unbuilt upon, and create a unique 21st century ‘showground’ which would enable all manner of shows, exhibitions, circuses, food fayres etc. This in turn would attract visitors from a huge catchment area, benefitting not just the council coffers but the people and businesses of Bolton. This is an inexpensive but dynamic option that may start to turn our town around. ‘Bolton Market Showground’ – an integrated site for the future.

Mr H. Smith

Bolton