I CONGRATULATE Ian Fearnside (Your Letters, April 30) for bringing to our attention the planned redevelopment of Gold Hill Rest Home, in Avenue Road.

It is yet another example of the erosion of the true character of Malvern. If this splendid old town is to have any future we must protect its uniqueness and fiercely resist this and similar schemes.

One day the Victorian houses of central Malvern will be recognised for what they are, that is, an important part of our national heritage. They will be prized and protected.

Meanwhile, it is up to the present generation of Malvernians to defend them against predatory developers.

JOHN DIXON, Somers Road, Malvern.