HOW clever of town hall bosses to think to protect our historic buildings. But what does their recent announcement really mean?

You report it as if it is something wonderful, but in actual fact all this initiative is doing is saying to the residents in such designated areas that they can't do what they want to their own properties.

But if the council want to give approval to a 10-storey block of flats opposite you, then tough!

Church Lane, Prestwich, was already part of the St Mary's Park conservation area, the only designated area in Bury South, until this recent announcement, but town hall bosses gave planning approval for totally inappropriate properties to be built in what was once a lovely and historic road.

Church Lane, Whitefield, was also a lovely road, but what did they do? They allowed a fantastic building (Stand Grammar School) which was part of the history of the borough, to be demolished and in its place, modern homes to be built which destroy the character of the road. The school could have been converted into apartments and retained. Now they declare the road to be one of historic and architectural interest!

There are numerous examples throughout the borough of totally inappropriate new buildings being allowed. These developments have often been the subject of fierce, but futile, objections by local people who care and value the area they have chosen to live in.

I suggest readers look at the Bury Metro booklet on Conservation Areas and consider the policies they purport to be committed to, and what they consider the term "conservation area" to mean. I think then, like me, readers will be a little sceptical of their motives.

M. MAHON (Mrs),

Rectory Lane,

Prestwich.