SIR: Reading the letters (BEN: Friday, January 23), by Mr R Burton and J Rothwell, which I applaud, I ask myself what have Bolton Council ever done for us in Kearsley? Answer - took away our Police Station, Town Hall, Library and Clinic. And now they want our dignity.

Farnworth at one stage had five cinemas. We haven't even got one now and the future of the Police Station is in question.

In return they want to give us more industry and food stores, which will generate much more heavy traffic and fumes, which we are already saturated with - anything to bring in more revenue. Department of Health figures say 24,000 people a year die prematurely through traffic fumes, with a similar number having to be treated in hospital.

What leisure facilities have they given us in return? Answer - nothing. We pay the same rates as anyone else; how many food stores do we need? Build one and close another and small businesses as well - what next?

The biggest profit mark-up made is in building industrial units and food stores - cheap shells, houses and leisure costs are more. So our Councils are being told what they can give us - a development which will sort out the world. Ha? I think not. The developers would take the profit and clear off.

And who would be left with the consequences? Yours faithfully.

I and many more people in Farnworth and Kearsley would like to know what leisure facilities and country walks are offered, as in Salford (for example Black Leach Country Park and Clifton Marina). So please, Bolton Council, don't take the tempting carrot; wake up it's not worth it - start thinking green for everyone.

Mr Bill Collison,

Bolton Road,

Kearsley, Bolton.

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