AFTER studying the plans submitted to Bury MBC for the proposed re-development of St Anne's Parish Hall in Tottington, it is obvious that this exercise has become totally divorced from reality.

It is a sprawling complex, looking like something borrowed from Legoland, and seems to be trying to cater for every conceivable need. It will cost a fortune to build and maintain and is completely out of character with the adjacent properties. This project is the result of a collective ego trip by a few individuals intent on pushing ahead regardless of any other opinion and, in their arrogance, completely ignoring any potential problems.

The adjacent area to the proposed development is the last unspoilt enclave of old Tottington, dating from Georgian times, and the result of allowing such an ill-conceived architectural monstrosity would be detrimental to all concerned in the vicinity.

The existing parish hall is not as old as its neighbouring properties, being built as an extension in 1887. And while it may be lacking in many things, and is in a poor state of repair due to years of neglect, it certainly does not lack a dignified simplicity, being more functional and in keeping with its surroundings. By contrast, the proposed replacement would be more in keeping with Manchester city centre. Within a mile radius there are two church halls, St Hilda's and Greenmount, at least three public houses, three clubs and three restaurants, with several more a little further afield. So the area is already well catered for regarding local function facilities. Make no mistake, this is a commercial venture masquerading as a community facility because, in order to justify this expenditure, this is how it would have to be run.

How many times a week would the facility have to be used by outside organisations to be financially viable? If a music and drinks licence was granted for some of these events, would it be an appropriate place to allow them, in view of its location next to a graveyard? Does St Anne's think it can compete with the likes of the Bolholt, the Old Mill and the De Vere Village Hotel just off the M66 in Bury, which can all offer far superior facilities? St Anne's doesn't even have its own car park, which will create even more traffic congestion than at present.

Even if various grants were secured, the remaining costs of developing and maintaining the site would be substantial. And, as the Church of England is involved, one would have thought they had more worthy causes to fund, rather than such a grandiose scheme.

Surely something less complex, and more in keeping with the basic needs of local organisations and the community, could be provided a lot more cost-effectively and without the element of risk that this proposal entails?

So welcome to Tottington's very own "Millennium Dome" project. At least the original looked hideous and used up vast amounts of money for only one year. This one could be here to stay, unless people come to their senses.

And to anyone who thinks the development looks great and hopes it gets really busy, I ask: would you like to live next door to it?

MR & MRS D. CRAWSHAW,

Chapel Street, Tottington.