REGARDING the report in the Bolton Evening News on March 6 "Residents to have say at by-pass meeting".

Bearing in mind their minimal contribution to the local exchequer, and having seen property values rocket, should Hartford Road residents, who, in some cases, are but transitory in seeking compensation, be subsidised from public funds paid into by lifelong residents?

Surely the phrase "Caveat Emptor" -- let the buyer beware -- comes to mind.

Certainly the Unitary Development Plan is clear on the intention to construct the by-pass, as is planning application 50982/97. Planning condition no. 17 is equally clear "Not more than 100 dwellings shall be occupied before the intended by-pass has been extended to the western boundary of the application site, in accordance with details to be submitted to and approved by the local authority.

T Riley

Dixon Street

Westhoughton