In his letter in support of a Morecambe Bay barrage ('Plans for a bridge across Morecambe Bay are not ‘senseless’', 5 August) Paul Flint repeats the well-worn and weak arguments we hear endlessly from fans of the scheme. As usual, vitally important things are ignored. The whole debate is recklessly one-sided, with the scheme spoken of as if there could not be any negative consequences. So we hear the buzzword 'connectivity', about how a barrage will boost business and increase jobs. We hear exaggerated claims about how terrible the A590 is, about how important it is to get from a to b as fast as possible.

And we hear that a barrage would help save the planet.

These arguments are not based on facts, but on nothing more than uncertainties and supposition, however much they are dressed up.

This is not good enough. It is not a fair and responsible way to discuss the subject. Instead of idealism, self-interest, and what often appears to be naivety, the people of Barrow and Furness deserve a full and fair debate. That this is not happening suits those in favour of the scheme.

As is usual from supporters of a bridge, there is no mention of any serious implications. Environmental concerns as well as the expense, are pushed aside. But most importantly, there is never a word about it radically altering the region and its unique character, the lives of those living here, and those of future generations.

They never talk about how a bridge would have a negative impact on people's quality of life. Higher house prices, and the many problems felt by other regions but not by ours, due to our geography, never enter their heads. No thought is given to how it would affect the neighbourhoods and lives of the less well-off more than it would affect theirs. There is no understanding and appreciation of the advantages of what we already have, only a rash desire to do something, regardless of the full consequences.

When the two sides of the debate are weighed up against each other, it is clear that the irreversible act of building a bridge would be irresponsible and damaging.

Opponents of a bridge – and there are many – should speak up more, in The Mail and elsewhere. It is vital that sensible and reasonable voices be heard.

David Hansard

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