TRAFFIC jams of over 11 miles marred the opening of the Trafford Centre at the weekend, despite sophisticated traffic management systems being an integral part of the development.

Urgent talks are now being held between the police and centre managers to try and resolve the situation.

Someone might just suggest adding a further two lanes to the M60 and/or doubling bus, rail and tram services to reduce car congestion.

What solutions will be offered to similar chaos which will inevitably result should the Xanadu complex be built? Double the width of the guided busway due for completion in 2003 at the earliest? Reverse the view currently held by Wigan MBC planners that a rail station in Leigh is not viable and hope that it is funded by the middle of the next century, or widen the single lane bypass, despite the fact that Government policy is now firmly against anything other than strategic road development.

No, local residents will be the ones who will suffer from constant traffic snarl ups! Two hours to shop at ASDA or Sainsbury's, longer to get beyond Haydock and the M6. This could and probably will be the reality.

If plans are not rejected out of hand then a public enquiry must be the proper forum to ensure that these fundamental traffic issues are got over to politicians, planners, councillors and the local community at large.

Xanadu must not go ahead.

Concerned Local Resident

Editor's note: The expected Government announcement on the future of the Xanadu plans did not materialise this week. But it is imminent. Two representatives from the Prime Minister's office visited the site last week.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.