REGARDING Westhoughton's master plans past and present, even from 1951, I am sure I speak for the majority of Howfeners by concluding: what was good about any of them?

We the original Howfeners have for too long been a "forgotten army". Our original virgin green land has been pulled from under us like giant carpets. It now seems that our "forgotten army" plus a few recruits ie the public, MAY get a chance to vote against the proposed super estate. Aren't we privileged? Wonders will never cease! Surprise, surprise, I will vote NO as will other campaign members, plus the fair-minded lion's share of the Westhoughton public.

Opposition continues to grow by the day as more people are latching onto the campaign. We have come so far from that fateful day in December when the developers were trying to foist this super estate on to us as if we were idiots who would take it on the chin.

Those in favour are in a real minority. While petitioning, a callous builder unbeknown to me told me that all the said land should be built on, and "I'm the sort who still has a black and white TV!"

For his information I have three colour TVs and three videos, and was one of the first families to have them in my area. We are not so backward in Alexandria Drive.

It is his sort, plus someone from Baily Fold, who can't see past their noses, and this will be the case if the estate is built when they find themselves in an endless traffic jam choking on their own fumes. I suggest these outsiders go and build in Petersfield!

B Howarth

Alexandria Drive, Westhoughton

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