Thank you for your balanced article concerning the rejection of the Wainhomes appeal for additional housing on Station Road, Blackrod However, I am absolutely livid about the proposed extension to Tesco at Middlebrook.

It is a generally agreed protocol that a councillor who is a mayor of a township should not be involved in politics during his or her year of office - and I have always respected this protocol.

When the J Dickinson and Son planning application (for a new waste recycling factory at Blackrod) was discussed at Blackrod Town Council at a meeting that I chaired, I deliberately refrained from taking any part in the discussions or, indeed, voting, to respect the office of Mayor.

However, on this occasion, I feel that I must make a stand for the people of Blackrod.

It may not seem to be particularly important to other areas of Bolton, but the proposed development of Tesco could have a considerable effect on the small furniture shop that has existed and traded in Blackrod for many years - in fact it could be a death knell.

The failure or closure of yet another Blackrod retail shop cannot be tolerated in a village which does not seem to attract the funding that other areas of Bolton seem to attract.

Indeed, the proposed development could also easily affect other business in Horwich and Middlebrook.

Thus, while I respect the protocol over the role of Mayor, I feel on this occasion I must make my position quite clear both as Mayor and as a councillor for the ward.

Councillor Ian Hamilton Mayor of Blackrod