HAVING lived in the local area for 80 years, I would point out to those objecting to the relocation of Holcombe Brooks Sports Club that when they moved into this area they did so into houses built on our green fields.

Even the green has gone out of Greenmount to accommodate newcomers, without the current residents complaining.

As a boy I used to play cricket and football on these same fields, and so did my children.

Now as soon as an old established sports club wants to increase its facilities all the NIMBYs shout from their dwellings.

Many of the statements contained in the recent circulated leaflet are inaccurate or even blatantly untrue. All the points raised have been professionally investigated, and reports prepared to satisfy the planning department, which can be viewed by anyone.

The brown field site mentioned is the old tip on Bolton Road West, which had to be discounted because the methane issue prevented such development.

The club, by its own efforts, purchased its present site, has never been a cost to ratepayers, and has ploughed its income back into the club for the benefit of all.

Youngsters, both members and non-members, abound, flourish in an ordered, contained environment, and ought in this day and age to be encouraged.

Leslie T Sutcliffe