Residents deserve nature on doorstep...
NEAL Keeling’s recent article (Town hall facing £100k legal bill in beauty spot fight, M.E.N., January 31), highlights an ongoing battle with the Peel Group riding roughshod over civic concerns.
They are in business to make profit, but not entitled to influence important amenities and risk further traffic congestion, without further health and educational facilities; whilst building houses – the majority of which are beyond first-time buyers or people downsizing.
When asked at the public meeting over the racecourse proposal if they were aware of existing serious traffic congestion, their spokesman said it wasn’t their concern.
Likewise at the 2013 enquiry into building on Broadoak, Peel’s spokeswoman insulted everyone’s intelligence by stating that “600 houses wouldn’t spoil the view.” Fortunately, our barrister replied that this was, “just potty!”
Salford’s image has been rapidly changing from an industrial ‘dirty old town’ and deserves an area of recreational natural beauty on its doorstep. The council has bent over backwards to accommodate Peel’s ambitions but this company is taking advantage and must be resisted.
The Government Inspector in charge of the previous enquiry was impressed with the continued public support and professional presentation of our case.
Peel now wants to extend the hearing much longer in expectation of wearing down public resolve, at greater cost; even though our case is now even stronger.
Support is therefore essential at the public enquiry, beginning February 20 at 9.30am at the Novotel, Worsley. Bill Newham, Worsley