THE "REPORTING Back" meeting held in Kearsley on February 20, was organised to tell the residents directly involved (1,000 leaflets were distributed) what happened at the Public Inquiry regarding the proposed store at Old Hall St/Bolton Road, Kearsley, and what the "defenders" of their environment/living conditions said on their behalf.

The Highways Agency said that the proposed Singing Clough development and the traffic involved should be included in the traffic impact assessment (there are nearly 1,000 car parking places proposed in the two proposals that are only some 400 yards apart). Discussion of the traffic both sides of the roundabout took place because it will affect all vehicles using the area if approved.

To suggest that the siting of a 54,000sq ft store that changes the unloading service areas position and the ventilation plant noise etc, has no effect on surrounding residential areas, is plain, naive and irresponsible.

The attitude in the BEN letter of the March 2, from the three Kearsley councillors bears no resemblance to what was discussed at the 'report back' meeting. They seem to have an exaggerated idea of their own importance. In fact little reference was made to them and more important aspects were discussed..

No council official was invited to the meeting. Only one council official, the Head of Planning Control, was at the Public Inquiry. At the Inquiry no officer of Bolton Highways Department came to give evidence and a hired "Highways expert" represented the Council. A 'hired' QC led the Council team?

Spring must be in the air, as some councillors seem to be coming out of hibernation.

John Rothwell

Grosvenor Street, Kearsley

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