The debate in The Mail in recent months about whether to build a bridge across Morecambe Bay has been very one-sided. Important reasons why it's a bad idea are completely ignored, despite many residents having grave concerns about the detrimental effects of such a scheme.

The issue is dominated by people who think about the world only in terms of business. Yet that's just one aspect of what should be a far wider discussion. Supporters seem oblivious to profound problems which would outweigh imagined benefits.

Supporters – including the Council, which agrees with it "in principle" – claim to have the best interests of residents at heart. But look closely and they're driven by a narrow set of material concerns. They disregard more vital questions which would affect the quality of people's lives.

Put to one side the issue of financial viability. And also whether it would improve employment, which is unproven. Regardless of such considerations, there are far-reaching negative consequences for the region in building a bridge.

It would destroy the uniqueness of our region. We would effectively be part of the 'mainland'. The distinctive character of the area would disappear. And the make-up of the population would change forever. There would be no going back. Barrow and Furness would rapidly become no different to anywhere else. House prices would likely rise and crime too. The change would be immense and irreversible.

This fundamental issue is being ignored, while there's the pretence that everything important is being discussed. It is irresponsible and self-interested.

Even the limited arguments of supporters don't hold water. They aren't based on economic facts, but on overly-optimistic predictions and often on wishful thinking, backed up with flawed logic and inadequate data. Slick websites and glossy brochures, paid for by vested interests, can't hide that fact.

The Furness peninsula has a uniqueness we should be thankful for. Its towns and villages, its people and its landscape are found nowhere else. It's a great place to live. And this is largely due to geography. We should be celebrating what we have, not throwing it away and the well-being of future generations, by making short-sighted and unfounded claims about investment and jobs and worrying about how long it takes to get to the M6.

David Hansard, via email