I WAS very interested to read the results of Mr Harris of Morecambe's detailed environmental impact assessment regarding the construction of the proposed Lancaster bypass in last week's Citizen ("Nature has a way of dealing with the road" 02/08/01).

As a biologist I find it fascinating that, despite the "emotive rubbish" and "claptrap" spouted by the Green Party, the sole detrimental effect of construction on the surrounding environment will be a temporary cessation of reproduction experienced by "half a dozen rabbits".

It is also reassuring to note that nesting birds disturbed by contractors will be able to take time off from their taxing struggle for survival to "holiday at Leighton Moss".

For the record, I am not a stereotypical tree-hugging, hippy who opposes all new developments. I appreciate that, whichever route is chosen, a bypass may benefit the region economically, and to some this benefit more than outweighs the potential environmental costs.

However, I do object to being told that building a road through an area of countryside will have no serious impact on the wildlife of the surrounding area. Whilst I agree that "nature" is indeed "resilient", it is far from indestructible.

And that is not reactionary environmentalist propaganda, Mr Harris, that is fact.

Dave Leech (via e-mail)