PLANNERS are expected to take until next February to make a decision on the £150m Xanadu project.

Until then, developers have promised to listen to supporters and objectors of the scheme which is scheduled to create thousands of new jobs.

"We are going through a process of consultation and we have already made quite significant changes to the design," said Alex MacLachlan, director of Moorfield Estates.

He said that as a result of concerns from the local community about shadows cast from the snowdome the design team were looking at again reducing Xanadu's height.

"We are also looking at ways of encouraging local transport to come to this development. And there has been talk of trying to achieve an extension of the tram-way link and better bus links.

"There will also be highway proposals to improve the motorway and East Lancashire Road junctions, together with other local road junctions."

Mr MacLachlan said it was difficult for the developers to respond objectors because issues raised had still to be designed.

"All I ask is that people get this scheme in perspective. No-one is denying there are some negatives to the plans but there are a lot of benefits.

"Benefits include construction and service jobs, management and retail jobs and a unique leisure facility.

"And a by-product of all this is that the young people of Leigh will get a brand new, custom-built college."

Mr MacLachlan revealed that there would be a new leisure impact study released in November or December.

He added: "We are committed to this project and we will carry on with it. We are not going away."

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