SIR: Having read your article '300 job food shop plan under threat' and '100 face jobs chop', I feel I must respond on behalf of the people who are already employed on the proposed Longcauseway/Old Hall Street site and the local residents.

The developers, Morbaine, propose to provide parking spaces for 400 cars. Think of the added road congestion this will create. Farnworth is a busy enough town already.

There is already an Asda superstore and a good selection of smaller supermarkets and shops in Farnworth. Would another be justified? Is the population of Farnworth and Kearsley large enough to warrant another supermarket? Would the building of the proposed new superstore lead to the closure of others? Food for thought, eh!

The haulage companies concerned have a good reputation with the local Residents' Association and, although the transport depots are open 24 hours, very few trucks operate throughout the night. In my opinion, the invasion of hundreds of shoppers would be more annoying to local residents. Remember, these stores are open until 9pm and all day on Sunday.

The developers say they will relocate the companies already operating from the proposed site, but, for the life of me, I cannot think where they will house 26 haulage contractors and associated businesses. As yet, they have not contacted any of the companies concerned to offer alternative premises. Would the councillors who voted in favour of the redevelopment like a row of trucks parked outside their homes? These plans could lead to many small businesses being forced to park on the streets.

Mrs C Holmes

Edenbridge Drive

Stoneclough, Manchester

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