THE glowing report concerning the present ambience and anticipated transformation at Barbury Castle attributes all the credit to the new cafe tenant John Antonioy and to the all-powerful administrators in our community.

It seems to me, after 13 years of dedicated service the Simpson family deserve credit and our thanks for all the pleasure and the warmth of welcome they gave thousands of visitors during that period deprived of support from the very people to whom they should have been able to turn.

The Simpson family laid the foundations of a thriving family business, from which they were evicted, which culminated in agonising stress for the entire family.

I understand that John Antonioy hopes to build a conservatory.

When Lynne and Brian Simpson applied, their application was refused. The reason given was because Barbury Castle is a protected area of outstanding beauty.

Does this category of preservation and protection no longer apply?

We, the loyal friends and supporters of the Simpson family came to know them well throughout the years that were made unbearable for them by constant power games. Our friendship does not waiver.

I wish the Antonioy family every happiness and personal fulfilment, and I hope they will be accorded dignity, respect, fair treatment and support in their times of need.

For complete trust is needed to achieve success in every business venture.

Mary Ratcliffe

Old Town