I T is extremely rare for me to write to the press, but on the issue of a proposed pub/restaurant development on Moss Bank Park I feel obliged to do so.

As one of a growing number of local residents opposed to the development, it is inspirational and supportive to observe the vast majority of visitors to the park, while taking advantage of its safe, family-friendly and green wide-open spaces during this period of recent good weather, taking the opportunity to sign a petition opposing the development.

In a matter of three-to-four days we have already obtained more than 800 signatures, with more certainly to come.

I would encourage everyone who uses the park, and for whom the legacy and tradition of Moss Bank Park is valued, to write to the Head of Planning Control at Bolton Town Hall to object to the blatant commercialisation of an area of the park. The plan will mean the felling of a significant number of mature trees, a reduction in the car parking spaces available for visitors, and the construction of licensed premises in a park area where they would be so ill-suited.

It is becoming increasingly clear that these controversial planning proposals have stirred the passions of the usually silent majority and emboldened individuals to voice their fundamental opposition to the development.

Edward Kozaczek

Croft Dell

Barrow Bridge Road

Bolton