SIR: I was born and bred in Horwich and have consequently seen many changes to my home town over the years.

Since Horwich lost its Urban District Council status in 1974, and was taken over by Bolton, there has been a steady decline in the fabric of the town. There is hardly a pavement or road in good condition. This is despite the ratepayers of Horwich having to pay more than the citizens of Bolton.

Added to this, there is still the threat of the Red Moss Supertip being imposed on us and the only local authority-run old people's home to close. Then there is the problem of Bolton Council Planning Department allowing the development of open green spaces for housing. First it was the loss of Horwich RMI Football Ground and the team's subsequent demise. Then there was Slater's Field which was stopped by the protests of local people. Now, there is a plan to build on the playing fields close to Singleton Avenue with no specific number mentioned.

Is it not time Bolton Council called a halt to all this development of OUR open spaces? What about the children of our town? Have they the right to a place to play in or learn sports?

It is very fortunate indeed that Bolton Council cannot get its grubby hands on Rivington, or there would be houses all the way up to the Pike.

Mrs Eileen Johnston, Ansdell Road, Horwich

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.