A TOP Green Party transport expert has pledged to support local community opposition to the Xanadu snowdome claiming that the effects of the traffic on Leigh could be the death-knell for the town.

Prof John Whitelegg from Lancaster reinforced traffic fears should Xanadu go-ahead.

Pointing to the Government's recent report on the effects of road related pollution and the admitted 24,000 deaths that will result every year from such pollution, saying that Xanadu would be on a par with the worst in Europe.

Anti-Xanadu leader Chris Maile said the campaign were privileged to have an academic of the qualifications of Prof Whitelegg taking a keen interest in the project.

"It is now hoped that with the likes of John firmly on board that other specialists will now come forward to also oppose Xanadu."

Prof. Whitelegg went on a tour of the site and commented on the need to preserve the amenities that now exist and the fears that the borders of the site will be rapidly expanded should Xanadu become a reality.

"Projects such as this are rarely contained within the original boundaries but are intended from the outset to be expanded. The real chances of additional car parking on adjoining fields is more than a little certain."

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