THE appeal by Radcliffe market traders for the local population to support their own market has been made several times before, unfortunately, and for that reason they have my full sympathy.

However, I cannot agree with their decision to ask the council to abandon the proposed marketmuseum. May I give some examples of other ventures that have proved to be outstanding successes, although at the time that they were first proposed, many considered that they would become "white elephants".

The Lowry Gallery, in a rejuvenated Salford docklands, has been one such success. The whole area was a site of dereliction which extended for miles from the heart of Salford, almost to Eccles. Now, as any visitor can see, the area is full of new businesses, hotels, catering establishments and shopping facilities, whilst the Lowry Gallery itself is attended by hundreds of visitors every week.

Whilst not wishing to publicise the Trafford Centre, it has to be conceded that it is an outstanding success, attracting shoppers from all over the North. But who would have believed that building such a complex in a wasteland named Dumplington, of which most people had never heard, would have had a cat-in-hell's chance of success!

Another example of such vision has been the Tate Modern gallery in London which has a constant stream of visitors through its doors. Again, it was generally predicted not to have much appeal but the evidence of its huge attendance has proved its detractors wrong.

All these enterprises are attracting new businesses to their surrounding areas and provide evidence of the vision necessary to create new opportunities and developments.

The proposed marketmuseum in Radcliffe is a further example of this kind of vision, whilst at the same time achieving differences in that it will incorporate not just an art gallery but a restaurant and state-of-the art museum, as well as a live traditional market.

If that will not attract visitors from all over, and thus provide new business opportunities, then I do not know what will, and I am open to suggestions and ideas.

Something innovative and daring will provide the key to Radcliffe's future prosperity and I believe that the marketmuseum is that key.

DEREK SANDFORD,

Bury Street,

Radcliffe.