As a result of the enquiry into the new homes on the Spitalcroft site in Devizes it is time to remind the planners of the letter I wrote at the beginning of the campaign to save this last remaining green 'lung' in our midst.

Having lived opposite the proposed allotment site since 1987, the chalk/clay-based composition of my garden soil is the same as the proposed site opposite in Windsor Drive.

It has now taken 17 years for it to become workable but only in favourable weather conditions. When the earth is dry it becomes like concrete and after wet weather, it is impossible to dig.

My main point is that this site is isolated and bleak, wind and rain swept. The soil will take years to become half decent to work as allotment holders only feed their plots with natural materials. Its very position will turn the area into a vandals' paradise and no-one will then want to rent a plot there anyway.

At the start there was a seminar where 'soil experts' were trying to convince the local populace into thinking that it was to be an easy matter to turn this sow's ear into an ear of corn overnight. Yes, you can cover it with a layer of wonderful local greensand, but who is going to clear up Windsor Drive when this all takes flight during the first heavy rain storm?

P Martin

Devizes