SO, now we know.

Warrington’s director for environment and redevelopment (now there’s an oxymoron if ever I heard one, given the threat to our green belt) Andy Farrall says we have no option but to expand or expansion will be imposed on us (Warrington Guardian, September 7).

It seems more like a man justifying his position to me and as we know, the ‘Devil makes work for idle hands’ and at the moment, he’s crafting ‘The sword of Damecles’ to dangle over our heads.

Historically, Warrington’s development was very much based on the fact that it was the first place where the Mersey could be crossed.

What was once a benefit is now a hindrance.

Then at a time when man drove a horse and cart, the ship canal was built.

Now more than 100 years later we drive cars and lorries – lots of them – and we have to cope with the unpredictable closing of all three swing bridges.

As recent events have proved, throw into the mix a closure of the M6 and the town shuts down.

Now Mr Farrall, if I was a central government planning officer looking to develop the north west the last place I would look at would be Warrington because the cost of redeveloping its central infrastructure would be prohibitive.

It would need either bridges, or tunnels, or both and both are very costly to maintain the flow of traffic across the Mersey and canal.

If I was a Government planning officer I would be looking for more bangs for my bucks and dismiss Warrington at a glance.

Now St Helens, there’s a north west town without either a river, canal or a clogging motorway on its doorstep which would be far cheaper to develop but then Mr Farrall doesn’t work for St Helens, he works here and has to justify his no doubt considerable salary.

The people of Warrington do not need this development, nor do we want it.

You need to take that on board because I’ve a feeling there’s a groundswell of people power developing in this town, the likes of which we’ve never seen before.

DERICK ACTON Walton