SIR: I wish to respond to your article that appeared in the Bolton Evening News (BEN, September 14) regarding the planning dispute relating to Avonhead Close, Horwich.

The dispute from the residents' point of view does not hinge on the development but on the means of permanent access through Avonhead Close, on completion of the new development. It will undoubtedly greatly increase the risk of accident as a result of doubling the volume of traffic.

There are obvious benefits to Bolton MBC Highways Department in respect of this development as the contractors are apparently prepared to bring the existing road up to an adoptable standard at their own cost - a cost that constitutes a considerable amount. Would it be reasonable to ask, therefore, whether the Highways Department managed the supervision of this road construction adequately, to avoid the exorbitant cost associated with the necessary remedial work?

The question also needs to be asked - how do you provide emergency access should this development go ahead?

I applaud Cllr Bob Howarth and the majority of his Planning Committee for admitting that as a result of the recent site visit the original approval was a mistake.

I would ask, therefore, that the possible alternative access to be used by the developer be approved as the permanent access and that common sense will protect the safety of existing and future residents.

Mr R Ennis

Avonhead Close, Horwich

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