Sir - You report (February 15) that there are proposals to link Didcot to Wittenham Clumps which would then become the centre of a 1,500-acre 'country park', at a cost of at least £2.5m. The intention is to provide the people of Didcot with 'accessible green space'.
But why do the people of Didcot need this special access? Why can they not just get themselves out into the surrounding countryside like the rest of us? There are already footpaths and bridleways linking Didcot to the Clumps, as well as minor roads for cyclists.
And are Didcot's inhabitants so urbanised that they only feel at home in a 'park'? Surely they can enjoy this beautiful area as it stands, using the existing right-of-way network.
To turn it into some sort of 'countryside experience' for town dwellers is not only patronising and unnecessary but is likely to destroy its rural charm, the result of good husbandry by generations of farmers.
This is a scheme devised by urban planners who see the countryside only in terms of 'green space' quotas.
If they succeed they will sully this much-loved and historic area for ever. By all means ensure that the present rights-of-way are properly maintained. But leave it at that.
B.C.M. Harding, Shillingford
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article