COUNCILLOR David Chadwick is undoubtedly right to say that reopening the Bolton-to-Bury line isn't viable.

The fact it was an act of criminal folly closing it in the first place doesn't come into it.

Even conversion of part of the route to Metrolink would be difficult, though not impossible if part of the tram route ran on street.

The same goes for the old line from Bolton via Plodder Lane and Little Hilton to Manchester - a much earlier closure but would have served the hospital and new housing development. The best way forward for Bolton's rail network in the short term is to build on what we've got with more capacity to meet rising demand. And its good news that the Blackburn line will get a half-hourly service from December.

Paul Salveson

Former signalman

Astley Bride Junction

Bretherton

Lancashire