I RECENTLY visited Leigh Library to view the photographs taken by Gary Reynolds portraying the wildlife that exists along the corridor of the old railway line that would form part of the proposed Leigh Guided Busway.

I was amazed to discover that there are so many varieties of fauna and flora so near to us. This type of habitat is rare to this area and should be treasured and protected for the benefit of all.

It is to be hoped that our Council will abandon its pursuit of this form of public transport link and the consequential destruction of the habitat that supports such an abundance and wide variety of wild life. A railway link would be much better in terms of cost, speed, safety and environmental pollution.

As a dedicated conservationist I am appalled by the irresponsible attitude of some people towards the necessity to protect an already diminishing wildlife habitat, which once destroyed can never be replaced.

MP Andy Burnham has suggested that perhaps we need both a bus and a rail link but he overlooks the fact that the cost would be prohibitive. The sensible option would be to have a rail link for all the reasons given above. The need for conservation is just one more vital argument in its favour.

Mr Raynolds should be commended for showing us the beauty of our local wild life at its best. His photographs are an inspiration, a series of ‘magic windows’ allowing us to see and appreciate nature in such intimate detail which would normally elude the naked eye.

Mrs. I. Gillette Lowton (full address supplied) via email