A DEATHLY silence has descended over Wesley Guild field at Pennington.

When people question a bad decision, the usual trick is for local councillors to retire to a safe distance and appoint an 'independent' body (in this case one packed with fellow Labour activists).

They wait a few months for the fuss to die down, and implement the scheme anyway. This way the 'independent' body gets the blame, and the local councillors can wash their hands.

The bid for Village Green status deserves our support. After all, the land has been used by generations of Pennington families. But if that fails, why not look at the superb plans by local architect Ian Chapman (Leigh Journal, May 16). His scheme for just seven homes along one side of the recreation ground should be taken seriously.

Not one local councillor turned up to the Wesley Guild peaceful protest or has shown any interest in residents' fears.

It's time Wigan Metro decided where its priorities lie - community life or financial gain. And it's time councillors told us where their loyalties lie - with the voters of Hope Carr or their friends in far-away Wigan.

Ed Young

Conservative PPC

Railway Road, Leigh.

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