I WAS amazed at the recent reported statement by Nicola Turner, economic development and tourism chief, Chorley Borough Council, praising the owners of Botany Bay on their proposed development plan.

Does she not realise that this is to be predominantly at the expense of green fields.

If the scheme goes ahead, the existing public footpath will be routed past a multiscreen cinema, fast food outlets, a nightclub and across a huge car park.

Chorley Borough Council have already stolen part of the Green Belt for the Moss Lane Leisure Centre. Gale Moss is again threatened with development as the council have undemocratically redesignated what was arguably safeguarded land for the building of offices and units for light industry.

Do we need more proof that the council's priority is the collection of Council Tax and not the preservation of our green and pleasant areas in and around Chorley.

John Pilkington

Blackburn Road

Whittle-le-Woods.