MY wife and I must strongly express our opinion that the Rumworth Bridge should be opened as quickly as possible to alleviate the distress and difficulties caused by its current closure.

The community of Lostock and Chew Moor has been divided, and the facilities of post office, shops, church, public house, milkman and junior school has been severed.

I know some people would prefer that the bridge remained closed because of the reduction of traffic past their property. The fact remains that this situation existed when they bought their houses, and they should have been fully aware of the consequences. The bridge connection is essential to the composite living arrangements of what was an integrated community. Now journeys are extended and communities are cut. I would think that it was Council Policy to maintain local communities as an integral part of the Borough, and prevent the extra cost and pollution from increased traffic journeys due to the isolation of the two communities.

The bridge needs to be reopened, and quickly. Why can't the Borough do this work and charge rail track accordingly? It begs the question, that if the bridge is not capable of taking heavy loads, why was there no restriction notice posted on the approaches to the bridge until after it was closed? Surely this was a Council responsibility, and some of the blame and consequently the cost and urgency lies with the Borough!

Derek R Horner

Sandfield Drive

Lostock, Bolton