I FIND the evidence of my own eyes somewhat disturbing.

I returned home on June 16 only to find the public space opposite was knee-high with grass.

My lawn was in the same state but I had good reason for that as I had been away, quite unlike the operatives contracted by Leominster Town Council, I believe.

It’s true that the number of times the public space is getting cut has been reduced and I wonder why this should be?

Leominster taxpayers have already paid for it to be cut seven times out of their precept.

Is this a swindle? It sounds like it to me.

In addition, I’ve been told by a neighbour that the children’s play area hasn’t been cut at all. This is a disgrace.

I was on the (then) Leominster District Council when this estate was built in the early 1970s.

Planners at the time (including, as I recall, Dick Tamplin, and maybe Chris Campbell who was his replacement as chief planning officer), insisted that the play areas and public spaces be included by the developers in perpetuity.

Now it seems the current planners are considering granting planning consent for four houses on the play area.

Some of us in Leominster have inconveniently long memories, including Cllr Peter McCaull. We discussed this sorry state of affairs and concluded that it would be vastly preferable if the play area was taken into community ownership (ie back to how it started).

This would be better than more houses/money for the council or profit for the developers. The whole thing stinks.

I would like to see a community orchard, maybe to commemorate the Queen’s 60th year of wonderful service to the nation – much more fitting, me thinks.

SANDRA STRICKLAND Millers Close, Leominster