HOME owners in the West End and the Poulton area of Morecambe are indeed under threat from compulsory purchase, as the concerned resident warns in his letter (Citizen, January 23).

This is the dark, hidden side of the council's new redevelopment plan, which is supposed to improve life, not cause dismay and alarm.

How can these plans be an improvement if they involve driving a number of home owners out of the area?

Lack of proper consultation and uncertainty have already caused yet another blight on the Poulton area regarding property prices.

Who on earth can possibly consider buying or selling in this area - or the West End - when properties could be subject to compulsory purchase?

As uncertainty over plans, as yet undisclosed, causes house prices to stagnate or slump, the council could conveniently then offer rock-bottom compensation.

And what of the costs, legal and otherwise, of moving to a new home, apart from the stress and disturbance?

I am not impressed with what I have seen, and the way the whole project is being handled is a disgrace and public relations disaster.

When I raised certain questions about the action plan with the housing office dealing with this matter I was patronisingly informed the council does not answer questions or explain details in the local newspapers as they consider this 'a waste of time.'

There have been a number of letters in the press expressing concern over current proposals and I believe that a democratic local council should publicly answer the questions raised.

Not all ratepayers can make it to a dingy church hall to attend a meeting, especially if it is not advertised.

I am sure many residents will be deeply concerned and worried when they realise the full implications of the plans the council is poised to implement.

Full disclosure should now be made so that the public are informed about plans that could well have a disastrous effect on the community.

Alarmed Resident