REGARDING the polarised situation of those for and against the move of Westhoughton Cricket Club, and the precipitous nature of the Rugby Club, it would seem that some local government intervention should be forthcoming.

It is obvious that most residents do not want houses built on The Tydesleys.

Bellways are desperate to get more building land in Westhoughton, especially non-brown land and old farm building land. That way, they do not need to pay for expensive site contamination reports and remediation. Prices have increased in Westhoughton about 25 to 28 per cent in the last year.

It's about time our local council offered some kind of assistance to ensure the survival of the clubs and saving The Tydesleys from the planting of more houses.

That is why we are supposed to pay our taxes -- for the good of the people and the area.

But no doubt we will be given the old adage and precursory sucking of air through teeth; we can't do that because of regulation this, section that, by-law the other, oh it will set a precedent.

Well, councillors you seem to be able to smooth your way through most things, so smooth this. After all you've let enough house building go on in Westhoughton.

It's about time councillors stopped using a 1000 reasons why something can't be done, and started getting with the programme for the 21st century.

It's the best vote winner you've had in the past year.

Ainslie Casson MA.

Church walks

Westhoughton