CAROLE Merton has written to me, regarding a recent piece about conservationists winning their fight to halt a by-pass around Hastings, and people caring more about the money belt than the green belt.

She said: "I am writing because the proposed busway for Leigh to Manchester will destroy wildlife, plants and birds in the Tyldesley area.

"I walk regularly along the proposed route, and in the early morning, you can hear a wide range of birds singing. I see squirrels and in January even spotted a fox.

"Last week, I discovered another stretch of natural beauty called Cooling Lane, where I found wild raspberries, rhubarb, and a stream flowing under a small bridge.

"It would be a great injustice if all this was lost for, in my opinion, a system that would not reduce traffic, and local people I have spoken to would not use the system. I wonder what your views are on the subject."

Well, right or wrong, I am totally against any development that wrecks our greenery, be it a bus way, homes or other leisure facilities.

In my opinion, no matter what the powers that be do to improve public transport, people won't give up the convenience of their cars.

Unfortunately, you can't halt greed, and as long as landowners sell off their acres, we'll see our greenery reduced -- unless the government has really started to realise that everything of beauty will vanish under a layer of concrete if building plans are not turned down.

I certainly have no wish to see that.

Acres of beautiful fields, once in the green belt, and not far from my home are under the threat of building for either a housing estate or leisure facilities.

Protest, protest and protest is the answer. Nearby residents set up an association to fight the plans and put their case to a public inquiry.

They probably won't win because money talks, but there could be more chance of victory for campaigners after the Hastings decision. I do hope so.

I say make the beggars fight for our green land and make them fight hard.