SIR,

Recent media attention given to rehashed proposals for a racecourse development in Boothstown must have been manna from heaven for Peel Holdings.

For three years local councillors and concerned residents have campaigned against the increased traffic congestion, air pollution and destruction to the natural beauty of Botnay Bay Wood that such a racecourse development will inflict upon the locality.

Peel claim there will be around 30 meetings a year, each attracting 20,000 visitors. This means there could be 10,000 extra cars travelling into what is still a relatively unspoilt woodland area. Astley and Boothstown/Mosley Common will undoubtedly face the knock-on effects of this tidal wave of traffic every other weekend into our community.

I am a former Boothstowner (now living in Astley) and I hope no amount of tinkering with new development plans by Peel Holdings will persuade local people, who want to protect our enviroment, of the merits of this controversial scheme.

Ian Davies

Wigan and Leigh Green Party