IT is good to read a letter from someone defending the little bit of countryside that we have left in this heavily built-up part of the UK.


I wish to add a plea for another bit of the green belt that is under threat – the site and surrounding fields where Parkside Colliery once stood, on the edge of Newton-le-Willows.


The greatest challenge facing us all is global warning, which is happening now.
We should be discouraging the use of cars and enabling people to work and shop locally. That means investing in town centres, not on the periphery. 


Instead our council is forced by government spending cuts to give way to developers who find it easier and cheaper to build monstrosities on green field sites.  

Once the trees and the fields are gone, there is no putting them back – lost forever for short-term gain.


We have to try to call a halt. 


Lorna Lyst,
Newton-le-Willows