AS I drove along Chorley New Road the other day and glanced across to the Lostock Golf Club, I could not believe what I saw on the skyline.

Among all the beautiful trees was this monstrosity of a tower standing way above the tops of the trees -- a mobile phone mast! -- an application submitted and turned down by Bolton planning approximately 18 months ago.

After making inquiries, it seems the golf club appealed to an independent government appeals office in Bristol, made up of people who do not know the area, but who passed the plans without the knowledge of those members of the public who originally objected, thus making a mockery of our local planning decisions.

It seems this happens regularly and I feel that the members of the public should be aware of this appeals department. If you are objecting to something in your area and the planning committee turn it down, it could backfire without your knowledge.

Shirley Sharples

Chorley New Road

Lostock, Bolton