I WOULD like to raise a number of points in relation to articles in last week's Journal (Nov 6, 1997).

Firstly, I would like to strengthen Mr Baybutt's claim that the snow making machine intended for Xanadu will not create vast amounts of pollution. However, once the snow is produced it will have to be kept at a low temperature, and it is this process that will burn the 2050 cub/m of gas per hour, therefore producing harmful greenhouse gases.

In response to Dr Gemmell's report, I believe that the Environmental Agency and we who oppose Xanadu cannot agree with your claims - what about the bats in Rothwell's Wood, water voles in the brook, and barn owls that feed in the area? Not a single aspect of the development conforms with any guidelines set out by the government, but rather contravenes guidelines in the areas of environment, planning and transport.

The similar complex that is going ahead in Salford is ideal. It is situated on derelict land designated for leisure development, has existing rail and road networks and the car park is underground. This development will not cause any detrimental effect on the environment and especially on wildlife.

I would like to end with a question - is it true that the proposed bus link to Xanadu is linked to the new Dumplington shopping complex, and if so how will this benefit the local business community?

Stephen Critchley

Winmarleigh Gardens, Leigh

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.