MAY I draw readers' attention to a recently submitted planning application concerning that part of Birtenshaw/farmland currently occupied by Holland Nurseries.

This calls for the demolition of existing (temporary) structures, and a larger replacement building for ancillary staff accommodation and product sales.

When this business was transferred from Preston, it was with the knowledge that the land and its use was restricted by the legally binding and enforceable 1934 covenant, which two judges in court, endorsed by the Government "Gate House" Inspector, declared to be binding on this remaining part of Birtenshaw farmland.

If allowed, these enlarged and permanent premises, together with the owner's acknowledged expectation of expanding business diversions, would be an assault on the legally binding 1934 document, which protects this land in perpetuity as a private open space, and expose the rest of the site.

I urge all local residents, together with all those who care about the environment, to put pen to paper registering their objection to this proposal as soon as possible, to the Director of Planning, Town Hall, Bolton, quoting number 61632/02.

Thank you.

Olive M Kenyon,

Laburnum Park,

Bradshaw.

Bolton