BOLTON West MP Ruth Kelly is urging BEN readers to join her in a final effort to remove the threat of tipping from Red Moss.

The move comes after she met officials from Bolton Council who informed her that Bolton Council is considering redesignating the Horwich moss as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

She was promised that, as part of the current review of the Unitary Development Plan, the planning department would take into account the large volume of letters already calling for the tip to be thrown out, as well as the lack of support for the tip. "The feeling is that, because such a large number of people have written to the council calling for Red Moss to be protected, we have a great chance to remove the threat of future tipping.

"I feel that one final push is needed, so I would urge any BEN readers who have not already done so to write to Bolton Council's Planning Department, urging them to redesignate Red Moss as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

''The fact that Bolton Council has opened up the plan for local consultation gives us an ideal opportunity to influence an issue which is of paramount importance to people living in Horwich and Blackrod.

"It is certainly an issue for which I regularly receive large numbers of letters and I am sure that this is also the case for the councillors representing Horwich and Blackrod.

"Once the threat of tipping has gone forever, we can begin looking at ways of encouraging more wildlife to the area and preserving this natural habitat for future generations.

"The Government recently published a consultation document examining ways of protecting SSSI sites. If any readers would like a copy, they should contact my office at 60 St George's Road, Bolton. BL1 2DD. Tel: 01204 523920."

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