Dear Editor
Two recent correspondents to your paper have criticised my support for the proposed new Sue Ryder Care Home at Cuerden.
Late last year Cuerden residents were kind enough to invite me to see the woods on the planned development site. It was a chilly Saturday morning and I stopped by to meet the campaigners on my way to play rugby for Chorley later that day. The woods are indeed beautiful and I was grateful to learn something of their historical value.
I made it clear to the campaigners that I would also visit Sue Ryder, so I could understand both sides of the debate. My visit to the care home took place early in the New Year. I met the care team to learn about the service they provide and hear about their plans for a purpose-built, modern care facility.
On balance, I take the view that the vital need for a new care home outweighs the strong case for preserving the woods. It makes sense to build this care facility on a deliverable site that is already in the ownership of Sue Ryder. In the event that Sue Ryder choose to pursue other options, I will use my experience in the development sector to help them find an alternative.
This is the kind of MP I will be for Chorley. I will listen to all views and come to a balanced but firm decision, even if that decision is not universally popular. You will not find me asking my office to pump out a standardised letter of objection in order to win a handful of local votes.
Rob Loughenbury
Prospective Conservative MP for Chorley