SIR: I wish to comment on the article 'Kearsley planning scheme backed' (BEN, March 6). This article does not seem to represent adequately the feelings of people who have qualms and misgivings about the 'huge transformations' in Kearsley.

These transformations have been presented as a package but, as with most package deals, there are good bits and bad bits. The clearance of the Bent St and Buckley Lane scrapyards, while virtually necessary, should not have been included as part of the 'supermarket' project. They are the inducement for the acceptance of a controversial project.

I would be interested to know what will appear on these scrapyards once they are cleared. Residents have a right to be informed and debate these plans now.

The regeneration of one part of Kearsley and Farnworth will certainly hasten the demise of another. It is a certainty that the store at the opposite end of Longcauseway will be adversely affected. I find it disappointing that further research and sampling of opinion, particularly on traffic problems, road safety and peripheral effects, has not been carried out. Financial considerations reign supreme where planning permission is concerned.

P A Grimshaw

Church Street, Kearsley

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