ON November 22, Hyndburn Council will decide which Strategy to choose from the six options as laid down in their Core Strategy document.

Being a resident of Rishton, I am very alarmed at the option outlined on page 10, and I quote: “Emerging Regional Spatial Strategy, influenced by the Northern Way Growth Strategy, identifies an area in Hyndburn to the east of Blackburn as a broad location for regionally significant economic development.

“That is development which will have a recognised impact on the growth and development of Lancashire by contributing to the increase in overall regional General Value Added.

“Sites identified within these broad locations should not be used for development that could be equally well accommodated elsewhere and should not be developed in a piecemeal manner.”

Rishton is east of Blackburn and from various sources this estate is going to stretch from Whitebirk to Lee Lane, Rishton. That looks as if it will be following the canal corridor and completely engulfing the west side of Rishton.

Even more sinister is the wording on page 28: “Merging of Rishton with Blackburn.”

Blackburn have had their eye on this piece of Hyndburn for some time as you will be aware through the pages of the Telegraph. Is this the the end of Rishton as part of Hyndburn?

If you agree with the fact that Rishton is going to be turned over to Blackburn and become a group of houses attached to an indusrial estate, sit back and do nothing.

On the other hand, fight for your town and tell Hyndburn Council in no uncertain terms where they can shove Strategy Four.

Email Hyndburn Council, phone the Planning Department and ring your local councillor to register your opinion. Look at the Document for yourself at www. hyndburnbc.gov.uk/downloads/DSS_Executive_Summary.pdf If you want to tell Hyndburn what to do with their Core Strategy go to www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/site/ scripts/feedback.php.

Nigel Airey, Rishton