I WAS surprised to read the headline article in a Conservative publication circulating in Areley Kings.

It claims that there are plans to build what would amount to a new town immediately adjoining Areley Kings, in Astley and Dunley parish.

Immediately, let me put my reputation as a public representative on the line. The claim is false. There will be no development on this land in any foreseeable timescale.

A little research would have found that the "evidence" on which the claim is based is not current. It consists of objections by landowners to Malvern Hills District Council's Local Plan, which were made months ago, and rejected by the council.

JAMIE SHAW (Labour)

Areley Kings district

councillor,

Redstone Lane

Stourport