I WRITE in response to Kathy Gilfillan’s letter (November 25) in which she defends the proposed Go Ape development in Rivington, and criticises Mrs M Clarke’s objections to the scheme.

Yes, Lord Leverhulme did wish that Rivington would be enjoyed by the people of Bolton and surrounding areas, but will Go Ape be as fee and uninterrupted as Lord Leverhulme intended?

There will be admission charges and also revenue will be gained by United Utilities, the current land owner, as a result of this commercial development.

What of the many healthy, mature trees felled to create the adventure course? What of the wildlife that has already been destroyed and will be permanently displaced in the future? Will the planned car park blend in with the surroundings?

Will there be 24-hour security to prevent the energetic, exuberant drunks testing their skills on the zip wires when the pubs close? Because if not, there will be some hefty insurance claims against Go Ape when unsupervised use results in serious injury.

People are not protesting against Go Ape, just the unsuitability of the site in Rivington and the insulting attitude of Chorley Borough Council and United Utilities towards local residents and those who appreciate the unique character of Rivington

Liz Whitehead

Babylon Lane

Anderton