I REFER to your report (September 23) of a proposal to renovate the farmhouse and other buildings at Top o'th' Knotts, Bradshaw.

At first reading, this proposal seems laudable - provided that, as Cllr Paul Brierley has pointed out, the scheme respects the architectural features of the buildings.

However, I would like to draw attention to one other aspect that may be worth watching. This collection of buildings lies at the junction of a number of existing footpaths: one from Tottington Road, which passes through Top o'th' Knotts and then continues through Crompton's to Slack Lane; and one from Affetside, which also passes through Top o'th' Knotts and then continues to Lower Knotts. It is to be hoped that any future residents will continue to respect these ancient paths and will not attempt to enhance privacy by requesting their closure.

I seem to recall that at least one such attempt has been made in the Bradshaw area in recent years.

Norman Parker

Reddish Close

Bolton