"It will be a landmark similar to the Angel of the North at Gateshead", we were told. So off I went to Top O'Slate to have a look at what some local wags call Haslingden's very own flying saucer. However, lets not be frivolous, it's "Halo" a Panopticon (what?) to give the structure its correct and proper name.

We drove up the long and winding road and at last there it was before us. However, we did not marvel, I'm afraid, at the gleaming metallic structure. After expressing profound disappointment to my eldest son he suggested that "it weren't finished" and that "there must be summut else to go on top o' frame, cos they carn't leave it like that!" Well I think they can and I think they will and except for adding lighting which hopefully will make a difference at night, I guess it's just about finished.

So what was all the fuss about? All those NIMBYs complaining about a blot on the landscape' and "66 questions the council should answer". In truth it's turned out to look little better than a child's climbing frame! The point is you can hardly see this "landmark" unless you are close by and it's dwarfed by a television transmitter that immediately assaults your eyes about 100 yards away.

I realise that there is more to the Top O'Slate project than the Halo but to somebody like me who supported the scheme, I can't help but feel disappointed.

How about you?

N.B. Panopticon - Structure, space or device providing a comprehensive or panoramic view