Compared to such world-famous destinations as Chatsworth House and gardens (entry fee £15), Holkham Hall and grounds (£12) or the Dedham Vale (free), it is hard to believe almost 300,000 people will want to pay to visit Horkesley Park, especially when virtually everything it plans to offer can be seen locally for free.

Colchester already has plenty of gardens, garden centres, art galleries, craft shops, tea rooms etc, and the Suffolk Punches can be seen at a local supermarket.

Horkesley Park’s unique features are, in fact, numerous in this area and do not need to be duplicated.

C Bredin
Parsonage Cottage
Boxted

...On a recent Sunday afternoon, I was sitting looking out on Workhouse Road, one of three “protected lanes” in Little Horkesley.

In 30 minutes, the following went past: Two horse riders, two runners, one family with three children, two young children learning to ride their bicycles, a group of “professional” ramblers and some cyclists. None of these people was from the village.

Why is this significant to anybody? Workhouse Road is within two miles of Horkesley Park, where the latest application promises access to the countryside for the general public.

Would the arrival of 316,000 visitors, the majority in their own cars and spreading out into the surrounding countryside, destroy the rural idyll I witnessed?

The countryside is accessible to all and not at a charge of £14.95 per adult and £9.45 per child.

Marion Drury
Workhouse Cottage
Little Horkesley

...I was disappointed to read some of the letters regarding the Horkesley Park plans, which make me sigh.

Our nation gets so caught up in being negative, and negativity seems to spread like a disease, clouds people’s minds and can let wonderful opportunities pass by.

I think the plans for Horkesley Park should be applauded.

Open space, rare breeds, animals, gardens, art, education – all wonderful positive things. We should get behind the plans.

Jason Collins
Mile End
Colchester

...It really annoys me that even in these low economic times, people are still protesting about Horkesley Park – but I really can’t see why.

It is going to create jobs and bring people to Colchester, which will help other companies – helping the whole of Colchester.

How on earth is this not anything short of fantastic for our area?

It would seem to me the objectors are really concerned about how the view out of their kitchen window might change, or how it might slow their posh cars down travelling back and forth to jobs in London.

I live and work locally and spend my money in local shops because I want to be part of the community.

Horkesley Park will bring new jobs, bring people to the area spending money, which is good for the community.

Martin Peters
Horkesley Grove
Great Horkesley