XANADU could have gone ahead if it had been transposed a mile away, across Pennington Flash.

That's the view of social planning consultant Peter Grimshaw.

Mr Grimshaw, of Atherton, who has no vested interest in either side of the Xanadu debate, firmly believes the idea was right, but it was simply planned on the wrong site.

Mr Grimshaw has has an interest in the surrounding area, as well as having professional experience and expertise in the planning and geographical side of things.

He said: "It struck me when Xanadu was introduced five years ago that the ideas were there, but the location could have been better thought out. There is a derelict colliery just a mile from the proposed site which, in my eyes, would have been much better suited to such a development."

Mr Grimshaw drew up a detailed plan (which we are grateful to him for allowing us to reproduce here) outlining his ideas. Four years ago, he showed it to the council and was told there were three problems with it. Greenbelt and the lack of a clear access were two of the problems.

He said: "I think those involved in the project became so engrossed they couldn't see other options around them. They needed to take a step back and ask themselves if this really was the best plan. The idea had great potential, but it turned into a catastrophe -- so much time, effort and money has been spent on a non-runner. I just hope they can now focus energy on other ideas, and this could be one of them.

"The Bickershaw site is crying out for such a development. I accept that there are difficulties, but I think they could be overcome. I feel sorry for Leigh in general, it needs the money and presence that Xanadu would have brought. The regeneration would have been very good for the town."