THE comments from Steve Miles concerning the proposals for Cripplegate Park which were under consideration 12 years ago, are I believe quite accurate, and reflect the contributions made at that time by many organisations and councillors of all parties to the debate.

The proposals had little chance of success. No supermarket chain had agreed to the extensive demands of the council for "planning gain" which included extensions to the park, massive road works, alternative tennis courts and bowling greens as well as ambitious proposals to provide riverside facilities and improvements.

No planning permission was sought or given and there were no designs or costs yet prepared at that stage.

These are a few of the reasons that prompted me to propose a resolution to a meeting of Labour Councillors " that the scheme be abandoned forthwith".

This resolution was carried by a substantial majority of Labour councillors.

It was this decision of the Labour Group that brought an end at an early stage this unpopular scheme and, as a result, further negotiations were terminated before any final scheme had been formulated.

Many have claimed the credit and others apportioned blame, but the truth is that the crucial decision was taken as a result of the action I took at that time to bring the matter to a final conclusion.

I believed that the council must always take into serious account the wishes of the electorate and act accordingly.

CLIFFORD LORD,

Worcester,

Former councillor and Mayor 1987.