I READ with concern but with a with a sense of weary fatalism, that our worthy local leaders are veering towards the northern bypass option. There has been much said in the past concerning the environmental damage which a western bypass would cause: these points are well made and I accept at least some of them. However, there is also an understandable element involved which seeks to preserve the quality of life of those who would be most affected by the road. The outcome for the proposed route north would I think cause an even greater deterioration in the quality of life for more people than the western route. Further, given the time and the 'expert' analysis, which has been applied by the anti western bypass group, I have little doubt that an environmental argument of equal validity could be concocted against a northern route.

The local authorities seem intent on pursuing the policy of a bypass come what may. However, their lack of judgement over a wide range of issues over many years does little to inspire confidence. Planning in this area (particularly with regard to the future of Morecambe) has been virtually non-existent for many years. The greatest asset of Morecambe and the surrounding district is its natural beauty and the potential for the exploitation of this in order to boost the local economy seems to be largely ignored: industrialisation has been encouraged on Morecambe side of the Lune despite the limitations caused by inadequate crossings of that river; the traffic caused by Heysham docks, which has also had local authority backing, is a major contributory factor with regard to traffic, in the area and adds little to the local economy. In the meantime incredible incompetence and an almost total lack of understanding has been shown with regard to the rebuilding of a local tourist based economy.

The asset is the environment, but this is not preserved by simply arguing amongst ourselves where the next environmental disaster should be 'planned'.

We should not be rebuilding Birmingham or Manchester in this area; we should be providing an ever enhanced environment for people to visit. Mindless ecological vandalism which is exactly what the northern bypass entails, is no less of a disaster than the western option and as already noted would probably adversely affect even more residents.

Important as the quality of life is for human beings, birds and small furry mammals at present resident in the area, it is the long term conditions which should concern us now.

Once large scale civil engineering projects take place they are there for a very long time and all too often serve as an argument for further building resulting in the degenerative effects of urban sprawl.

Money should be spent on making Morecambe and district more desirable to those most in need of the regenerative benefits of the clean peaceful and beautiful conditions which Morecambe is capable of providing.

The importance of the area in terms of its wild life does not need to be repeated here - it is surely self evident.

Money should not be spent on ill-conceived short term solutions which serve the short term interests of a select few, who having wreaked havoc in this area will no doubt move elsewhere to do the same for their own selfish gain.

My heartfelt plea to those who control the destiny of the human and natural well being of this district is to consider the longer term and to do it now!

Geoff Marsland

via e-mail