Leigh Town Council voted against the planning application for a hospice to be built on Belton Hills, Leigh, but no one thought or had the courtesy to invite Havens to the meeting. Is this what Leigh calls democracy? Southend councillor Peter Wexham appeared to pronounce with some glee a revelation that an ancient footpath had been discovered going across the land and this would stop the project. Isn’t Mr Wexham aware the public and, I understand, the Ramblers Association, have been treading a footpath, the same and current footpath, across this farmland for almost 50 years? Campaigner Mike King and his group state they support the hospice, yet they claim there is going to be a community centre, a bistro and internet cafe built at the hospice. From what I understand, there is only going to be a staff and patient canteen, computers for training staff and for patients’ use and the so-called community centre is a training room for staff. This is about care of dying people, not about a piece of land. Come on Leigh, where is the community spirit?

William Turner
Bellhouse Road
Leigh

...With an open mind, I attended a meeting about the building of the hospice, as I had questions over plans for the wildlife and footpath (all of which were answered). I also engaged in conversation with a protester. Although pleasant enough, it surprised me to learn this particular person’s objection about the hospice was not that the planned location is green belt. When I asked whether they’d still be against it if it were a brownfield site, the reply was: “It’s the wrong location. We don’t want it there.” I’m afraid another case of Nimbyism at its very ugliest. These people should be proud that such an establishment, one they or someone they love are likely to need one day, wants to be placed in Leigh. Why do they think they have the power to deny this when clearly so many other local people are in support?

T Peters
Oakleigh Park Drive
Leigh