Who's kidding who? (From Leigh Journal)

Who's kidding who?

11:25am Thursday 24th November 2011 in Letters

RE: "Open Space Plans Backed" (November 17) - it is doubtful if many in favour of the proposed massive development are residents of this part of the town.

References to "hidden dangers on-site" and "contamination of Leigh's toxic industrial past" might once have been justified, but nature, with a little help from man, has clothed North Leigh in a delightful mosaic of reed-beds, copses, hedgerows and grassland which accommodate important wildlife communities.

If dangers are present, then the owners of the land should as a matter of great urgency fence off dangerous areas and warn users of the public rights of way or remove hazards.

If the claims are exaggerated or invented to facilitate a wholesale acceptance of the proposals, it represents a shocking example of irresponsible scaremongering.

As well as a population increase of perhaps 5,000 the proposals would mean the reduction in the area of open green space from 70 hectares to 18 and the claims that the regeneration will deliver "Significantly improved environment" and "Habitat creation to improve biodiversity" are absurd.

Trevor Barton stated: "I've always seen it as my civic duty to look to the future for Leigh, and consider the legacy we're leaving for our children and grandchildren".

I'm sure readers recognise the contribution he has made towards the success of the Sports Village, but there are hundreds of locals, who in their largely unsung way, have worked tirelessly in making improvements in numerous spheres of activity.

I concur fully with Mr. Barton's sentiments about leaving a legacy for the future but I feel the majority of locals would rather leave a pleasant, green, open space than an area of bricks and mortar, concrete and tarmac.

Andrew Darron, executive director of Groundwork Lancashire West and Wigan remarked: "Wigan and Leigh's Greenheart Regional Park is a remarkable asset right on our doorstep": I venture to add that North Leigh fulfils an identical asset to the people of Hindley Green and Westleigh.

David Wilson Leigh.