READING about the ultimatum given by Mr Gubay and North Western Properties regarding Elms Precinct in Whitefield, I am forced to wonder what hold Mr Gubay has over our local council.

I do not live in Whitefield and am not personally affected by the dereliction that has been wrought on the area, but I am offended by the appearance of it on every occasion that I pass. I cannot comprehend why it is that the council is even prepared to consider continuing to negotiate with a company that appears to have played them false at every turn.

Even if Mr Gubay made yet another U-turn and agreed to develop the property immediately, it would seem that he cannot be trusted to "play within the rules". At a community meeting recently, I asked why the tables couldn't be turned on Mr Gubay. Apparently he was demanding an undertaking by the council to compulsorily purchase any property within the area he required, a demand which was understandably being considered with some reluctance.

My question was: why could the council not compulsorily purchase the property from Mr Gubay? I was informed of the reasons why this could not be done, largely financial ones. However, I now see that Ivan Lewis MP is reported to have said that urgent consideration should be given by the local authority to whether compulsory purchase of the precinct was a realistic option. Surely if Mr Lewis thinks this may be a possibility, it is likely to be so.

The local authority, it seems, can find the finance to fund painted road markings, so-called improvements to traffic flow and playgrounds (which are likely to be vandalised), and yet they cannot finance the improvement of a historical neighbourhood centre.

The costly demolition has been done. Further building would not necessarily be needed. The surrounding area could be neatened, buildings faced and decorated and the garden area of the site could be extended. It appears that the residents of Whitefield are not too dissatisfied with the shops which are still there.

Surely it is time to extract the area from the clutches of Mr Gubay once and for all.

D. BAILEY,

Cartmel Close, Bury.