THIS letter is not just about the traders of Bury market; more importantly it is about the public, their feelings and their views.

In excess of 20,000 individuals have signed letters addressed to the council in the last seven weeks, all of them categorically opposing the proposed development of the shopping centre and market.

Bury town centre is at a crossroads. It can either go down the same path as other towns which have "sold their market's soul" to developers in the name of progress, or it can maintain its traditions, alongside progress, for future generations to enjoy.

Turning the town centre into yet another building site, so soon after the last development of the market, would be a major blow for traders and citizens alike. To settle for a quick profit from Westfield, while sacrificing the livelihoods of so many, and the peaceful enjoyment of visitors to Bury, does not seem a fair or sensible balance.

On a personal note, I am fed up with planners hiding behind the word "progress". I feel Westfield are only interested in their own particular section of the "Bury But Better" town centre strategy, and are contributing little to the overall plan. It seems that their only interest is self-interest. The stuffing will be knocked out of this town just to line the pockets of a few people.

The public do not want the market to move off its present site and the traders do not want the market to move off its present site. This town needs a thriving, settled market for it to continue to be its jewel in the crown and so that the term "famous" can still be relevant for future generations.

ALAN GARMAN