Land ideal for allotments (From Malvern Gazette)

Land ideal for allotments

11:18am Friday 27th July 2007 in Letters

I WRITE in response to Mr M Williams (Your Letters, July 6). He made several statements concerning myself that require comment.

I am sorry that he calls my attempt to be elected to Herefordshire Council ill-fated. In fact, I polled 255 votes and his comments, in my opinion, show great disrespect for the people who voted for me. I did not stand for any political party, I was both pleased and humbled to receive so many votes, and I thank those who voted for me, for giving me their confidence. I hope that I accepted my defeat gracefully.

The land in question is public open space opposite Woodfield Road. It is not directly behind Mr Williams' property in Hazle Close.

I did indeed suggest the land as a possible alternative for allotments and gained the permission of the landowner to be there on visits.

Public consultation would surely have come if the proposal had moved any further and local residents would have been able to express their views in writing, or by attending council meetings.

I have received 13 emails to date from Mr Williams and the town council has responded to 13. Some replies were signed by myself and others by a clerical officer, if they were dictated by me.

We have attempted to address his concerns at every turn. I wish to emphasise that the land is over one acre in extent and surely it is preferable for allotments to be there rather than more houses?

COUN A R BRADFORD, Miller Craddock Way, Ledbury.