I DISAGREE with Andy Hamilton and Bob Dove about the plans for the Queen’s Street and St Botolph’s area.

As a resident of this part of town I find the council’s plans forward-looking, interesting and sensible.

It’s a good idea to develop the area as a cultural, creative and entertainment district and to make a proper link between the spectacular Firstsite art gallery and the main town centre.

Bob Dove, somewhat surprisingly, asks: “How can we get rid of this money-wasting, pie in the sky council?”.

This is a question that most (if not all) Colchester school children could answer.

There are regular elections, Mr. Dove.

Charlie Davison Priory Street

  • Garden village is the most obscene irony

When the concept of a garden village between Colchester, Wivenhoe and Elmstead was first proposed, I assumed it would be sited on the extensive farmland west of Slough Lane and Wivenhoe Road, Crockleford.

I was horrified to be told it is actually planned to abut onto the Greenstead estate.

At first I thought this must be some sick joke.

The Salary Brook Valley and the adjoining woodland on the hills above in some of the loveliest countryside in north east Essex.

A paradise for wildlife and walkers, this area is a priceless recourse for local people, as it would be for inhabitants of the proposed development.

It seems unthinkable these trees, meadows and footpaths should be sacrificed for housing.

This is just sheer, moronic vandalism.

The idea that such a beautiful habitat might be destroyed to make way for so-called garden village is surely the most obscene irony imaginable.

David Weston Richard Avenue, Wivenhoe

  • Dog owners must be more responsible

IN response to the Greenstead resident (October 17) re: dog attacks, I too am constantly watching for dogs off their leads while walking mine.

Regarding dog attacks on children, it is not the dogs’ fault, it is the parents’ and owners’ fault for leaving their children unattended with a dog.

Parents should be made responsible for their children when near dogs and it’s the duty for the dog owners to be responsible for their dogs.

Dog licences are not going to stop these attacks.

Maybe banning parents with children under ten being in the same room as a dog and dog owners keeping their dogs on leads when outside would.

Mr J Grace Dog owner

  • Stop criticising ambulance crews

I AM getting fed up reading in your paper about the ambulance service.

I have not had any problems with the ambulance service, they have attended to me within the 20-minute target.

They are very caring and understanding, so the public should stop complaining.

The police force is the problem. We need more police patrolling.

Lesley Jordan Harcourt Avenue, Dovercourt

  • Glad to see Frankie fighting back

I WAS saddened to read in your recent article that three-year-old Frankie Moore was rushed to hospital after falling ill with meningitis.

Everyone at Meningitis Now is pleased to hear he is making a good recovery and that his mother has nothing but praise for the hospital staff who treated him.

Meningitis is often difficult to diagnose, sometimes presenting only flu-like symptoms, so Broomfield Hospital deserves huge congratulations for responding so quickly.

We wish Frankie the best for the future.

Meningitis Now is fighting back on all fronts by funding pioneering preventative research, raising awareness and supporting those affected, with lifelong help and care.

We distribute a range of awareness materials highlighting the common symptoms and need to act quickly, which can mean the difference between life and death.

We have community support officers ready to help anyone touched by the disease.

For a free symptoms information pack including wallet-sized symptoms cards, or support, please call our freephone helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or visit meningitisnow.org.

Liz Brown Chief executive Meningitis Now

  • Run marathon for Africa charity

The London Marathon ballot results have been announced and we would like to appeal to any of your readers that have a place and are looking for a charity to run for.

We would like to invite them to run for the Catherine Bullen Foundation based in West Mersea, which is doing great things in rural Namibia with health and education projects.

We just ask runners to raise as much as they can and a free running vest will be provided.

Email Roger Bullen at rogerbullen409@btinternet.com.

Roger Bullen The Catherine Bullen Foundation Colchester Road, West Mersea

  • Constant digging is the British way

Reference Mr D Chapman’s letter about the gas board digging up a newly surfaced road (October 19).

It is a British tradition, first the highways department, resurface the road and paint the road markings – then the gas, electric and water companies.

Come along and dig holes in it. It’s the British way.

Mr G Heath Oakland Road, Harwich

  • Fruit salad for dinner, David?

On Friday I went into town to buy ingredients for a stew.

I bought the meat and went to the High Street to our so-called market to buy vegetables.

There were two fresh food stalls and to my surprise neither of them had any vegetables, only fruit. That’s a great customer-puller, a fruit and veg stall that does not sell vegetables.

David Cole Wilkin Court, Colchester