AT last we have a scheme to get rid once and for all of the dereliction and eyesore at Blackhorse, Kearsley, at no cost to the council. We would be able to shop on our own doorstep - no waiting for buses or taxis; surely a convenience for hundreds of shoppers.

The creation of jobs promised plus removal of air and noise pollution by the HGV depot on Old Hall Street would be an added bonus, especially to the householders in the immediate vicinity. And yet we get dissenting voices, in the main from people who do not reside in the immediate area. Increasing traffic was one reason I note - but modern vehicles use low lead petrol, have to have emission tests on their M.O.T. exams, low emission diesel is now used by most lorries, buses etc. So where the extra pollution will be created, I do not know.

Possibly politics is being used, but if the local council cannot, after 40-odd years, get rid of the eyesore, I suggest we give private enterprise a chance to see what they can do. Ask the residents who live in the middle of this scheme our opinions - especially those who live on Bolton Road.

Mr P Ruddick,

Church Street, Kearsley.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.