ALTHOUGH I always thought from the outset that the proposal for Churchgate to become, at vast expense, a pedestrian area lined with restaurants, bars and performance areas, I had not expected that troubles would arise almost before it had opened.

The dangers to the public and employees, and damage to the flagstones by bad parking, should have been foreseen.

But what disgusts me is the excuse given by a council spokesman that the local authority was waiting for a permanent traffic order to come through from the Department for Transport, which will prohibit loading and unloading on the flags.

Why should it be necessary to apply to the Department for Transport for permission to make rules for a local decision like this in Bolton?

It illustrates the need for the Sustainable Communities Bill, which will provide a positive way forward in tackling the problems of community decline and environmental degradation.

The idea is to tackle the loss of local shops, post offices, services, and jobs, by allowing residents to decide how their communities are developed and conserved, instead of central government. The Bill passed its second reading on January 19, despite lacking Government support.

Our local MP Ruth Kelly has a pivotal role to play in the progress of this Bill as Minister for Communities. She has been invited to consider the Bill at a public meeting, but seems reluctant.

B W Tyas Cooper Breckland Drive Heaton