YOUR article "Spare those trees" (LET, October 31) failed to report that, at the entrance to this site, there were more mature trees on which we understand preservation orders applied.

However, a few weeks ago these trees were suddenly removed. On investigation, the officers within the planning department at the council claimed that the trees were all diseased and had to be felled.

No doubt the report of the workmen spotted sizing up the trees were council employees looking for more "diseased" trees. We were informed by the council that even if a preservation order was applicable to these trees, the planning department can and will override it with an application such as the one from Gleeson Homes.

No one locally wanted this development to go forward. The local parish council admirably wanted the site saving to cater for local needs and benefits in the future.

All the objections were ignored by Ribble Valley Council.

On reading the last planning review report, we were appalled at the lack of consideration they gave to local needs and opinions. This dictatorial attitude of the council has left everyone feeling that the council will do whatever it wants and the trees will be chopped down at will.

In addition to the trees issue, there is a grave concern about the dangerous traffic conditions on this stretch of road. You recently reported on a very serious traffic accident which happened adjacent to the site. The proposed high density development spilling out traffic from two exits next to this black spot will exacerbate the dangers to the many aged pedestrians, young school children and other people who live in this area.

However, Ribble Valley Council, who are selling the site to Gleeson Homes, are blind to common sense in their desire to make money from this land.

J COAR, Ribchester Road, Clayton-le-Dale.

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