I REFER to the many recent letters concerning the proposed new clubhouse and facilities for Westhoughton Cricket Club.

As Chairman of Westhoughton Lions Rugby League Club, the only junior rugby league club in Bolton, I openly declare a vested interest.

Youngsters who come to play rugby league in Westhoughton from all parts of Bolton will reap considerable benefits from being able to share accommodation with the Cricket Club. As a rugby league club, we couldn't dream of achieving facilities such as these in the next 20 years, let alone in the foreseeable future.

I would like to make three points in particular.

The first relates to the myths surrounding grants. A number of people have suggested that both we and the Cricket Club should apply for grants in order to improve our respective facilities. Such suggestions are clearly not based upon knowledge or experience, since the best grant options, when they are available, require matched funding. Facilities, therefore, which will cost, say £500,000, will need the club to find half of that amount. Where do these dreamers think that money will come from?

My second, and perhaps most important, point is that Westhoughton ARLFC is unlikely to survive beyond November 2004, as the current planning conditions require that we move from our current point of access to one at the opposite side of the fields. This would require a new roadway, a new car park, and the movement of our three containers which we use for changing. Even assuming that we get considerable physical labour from the parents of the young players, the cost would be in the order of five times our membership income. After all of that, we would still be without electricity or running water.

Finally, I and my committee are dismayed at the way this issue has become political.

I, for one, am unimpressed with the arguments about the infrastructure of the town. Many of those who are most vociferous on the matter have been the custodians of the town's infrastructure for years. Equally, this proposed new sporting facility will add to the infrastructure, not detract from it.

Come on, Bolton Planning and Highways committee, preserve the future of cricket and rugby league in Westhoughton and allow the town to have a sporting club it can be proud of.

Kevin Davidson

Rosewood

Westhoughton