THE Local Government Act 2000 factsheet on community well-being defines quality of life as "being affected by the availability of jobs, goods, educational and leisure opportunities".

The legislation "requires local authorities to prepare community strategies in partnership with other local bodies; setting out what they are going to do to improve community well-being".

In the case of the closure of The Water Place, the interests of the local community appear to have been ignored. Nor were we consulted before Kentucky Fried Chicken obtained planning permission for its latest outlet.

I would have preferred a shelter for the homeless or another library, museum, theatre or resource centre to be on the site. Like Alan Calvert wrote: "Bolton needs something to put it on the map" (Bolton Evening News, October 21).

Now that the Water Place has closed, there is little to do in Bolton town centre except eat in takeaways, drive cars, booze, and shop in supermarkets or characterless shopping malls. All the cinemas have gone -- out of town cinemas show violent Hollywood films -- as have most shops owned by locals.

I wonder if, on December 1, 1988, had the Queen had known the Water Place would be demolished after 13 years, would she have bothered to open it?

I'm sure the Mayor, Cllr John Walsh, and Cllr Bob Haworth would, on behalf of the council, tell her why saving money is more important than people's happiness. As for opening an Olympic-sized pool in Queen's Park -- wouldn't that chew up the beautiful floral tribute to Cllr John Walsh?

R J Hudson

Deputy Press Spokesman

South Lancashire

Green Party

Kent Court,

Bolton

(ref: www.local-regions.odpm.gov.uk/lgbill99/factsheets/wbeing.htm)