I WRITE concerning the third planning application for shopping development in the vicinity of Prestwich Hospital, which continues to pose a threat to our community.

Social well-being cannot be measured simply in terms of facilities for car owners to shop in expensive hypermarkets. All of us at some point will become non-drivers. Many of us will experience changes in work and domestic life, which will make us more dependent on interacting with the community, in small businesses and other services located in Prestwich Village centre.

For many denied a seat in the "jet set" our rather tatty, beleaguered town centre is a place to greet familiar faces and have important conversations. It's social value cannot be measured. Ours is not yet a country run purely for the benefit of the rich and powerful. Those who desire such a culture should take a look at what happens in countries who pursue such policies. They should do that before they argue for planning decisions to ignore social considerations.

Unfortunately, at present, the law is weighted in favour of wealthy developers who can return again and again with applications, until they have exhausted the resources of local protesters. Planning law, as it stands, does not support Tony Blair's vision of what each citizen needs in order to enjoy a quality existence.

Instead of deluding himself and others that Tesco will provide "finance without strings" for the indirect support of shops which are business rivals, MP Ivan Lewis should consider working to reform planning legislation.

In the meantime, I hope that local people and their councillors will oppose the creation of three new units on the Tesco site, which will make shops in the Longfield even less viable than they are at present.

NAOMI SCHRECKER,

Gardner Road, Prestwich.