WE must all agree with Andy Leatham when he says that; "the local youth (at Bromley Cross - or anywhere else in Bolton) need a focus for their energies".

But he is totally wrong to back the proposal to turn protected green fields into football pitches, and to relocate the nursery.

How long does Andy think these football fields will last before the developers move in? Five years, ten, perhaps?

I went to school at Castle Hill and remember the Hall i'th' Wood playing fields, which covered a huge area next to Crompton Way, between Tonge Moor Road and the river Tonge, in the valley.

These fields were covered with well used football pitches. But not any more - now they are covered with buildings.

I have no idea how many football pitches and playing fields have been built on in the borough over the years, but the number must be considerable. And as building land becomes more and more scarce, fewer playing fields will be left untouched.

We even had one councillor suggest building a swimming baths on Queens Park. No doubt he too was thinking about the youth of today. But building on parks and playing fields isnt the answer.

There is something very special about walking or sitting in green fields, listening to the sounds of nature. Little else can be so beneficial.

These youths, who need a focus for their energies now, or others of their ilk, will, I am sure, at some time in the future, thank the people of Bolton, for saving the lovely fields they are walking through, with their children, and grandchildren.

Brian Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove

Bolton