Letter:Using space well

North Lancashire Friends of the Earth welcomes the city council's announcement that more money is to be invested in bringing run-down properties in Poulton back into use. At last count there were over 200 empty houses in Poulton Ward, not to mention many derelict properties. It is extremely unfortunate that the council still plans to undermine this positive work by designating a huge area of greenfield land to the south of Lancaster for housing. Given the choice between building new estates on empty fields or taking on the challenge of converting restoring dilapidated 19th century properties in Morecambe, most builders will go for the easy option. However, it is the older buildings in Morecambe which will have the potential to provide the higher quality of life in the long term. They can provide homes with character in established communities with a wide range of amenities within walking distance. Filling the empty homes would bring in new money to support struggling local businesses and the jobs that they provide. House these people south of Lancaster and they could easily end up doing half their shopping in Preston. Most derelict property in the district is outside the renewal areas in the West End and Poulton so there is still much to be done. The council should build on what it is beginning to achieve in Morecambe by doing everything within its powers to promote regeneration. New urban green spaces should be created and terraced streets made into safe places for children to play, to help Morecambe become a more attractive place to live.