SO the new plans for Xanadu are about to be thrust upon us but the only apparent alteration is at present to the size of the snow dome and the car park.

But what other aspects of the opposition to Xanadu have the development consortium tried to deal with?

It seems that to ease the possibility of traffic congestion around certain junctions the by-pass (Atherleigh Way) is to be extended in both directions to the relevant motorways (M61 north and M6/62 south).

What effect will this have on Atherleigh Way? We can only guess that it will become a short cut between these motorways, whereas at present traffic has to go completely around this area, it will be able to cut straight through it, I know that I would take the shortest route.

Has anything been done to cut the emissions from the cooling system in the snow dome? Have the plans now altered to save Rothwell's Wood? Will the development still affect the brook in levels of pollution or risk of flooding at different points along its path?

If as we hoped the project will bring a booming economy to Leigh, how will this affect traffic and what will be done to counteract this? These are just a few of the many questions that will be asked of the new Xanadu plans.

How can we have any faith in Wigan MBC as a planning authority? Look at all the homes that have been built in the various districts of the borough, but who is building the schools that will serve these new housing developments. I rest my case.

Stephen Critchley

Leigh Green Party

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