Many people agree with him.

Did any of our councillors read an article in The Times recently regarding the failure of councils and the rest of us in not recognising what we are doing to our towns?

It seems that most of our towns are now looking just the same as each other and many have lost their individuality by losing their small independent traders.

Many of us did try to prevent Bury following in their footsteps but we were not heard.

As The Times' article stated, councils are often swayed by the persausive developers, so what was Bury promised in lieu of the of the proposed Cattle Market development?

Will stores like Debenhams stay if trading does not come up to their expectations – they left us once before. Perhaps, in the long run, we may get the department store most of us wanted.

What happens when the majority of people shop online? Will anyone want to fill the empty shops in the town?

So many people visit Bury for its unique qualities but I don't think so many will come just for the Abbey Gardens and the cathedral.

I propose that every councillor who voted for the development should have their names enshrined in a very prominent position in the development, then, for good or bad they will be praised (or otherwise) in the future. If I am very wrong and they are right, I will gladly eat my words.

Some time ago I remarked to my husband, 'I have worked out what arc stands for – architectural redundant complex'.

I do hope I'm wrong.

Margaret Crockford, Hawstead.