FURTHER to the piece on the new draft access maps (Our Countryside, July 17), perhaps I could add that not only should farmers and landowners check them for possible errors of inclusion, but the public should also do so for possible errors of exclusion, ie apparently qualifying land which has been left out.

The Country Land and Business Association, at least as quoted, failed to make clear that there is a provisional stage between the current draft one and the conclusive one. The provisional stage allows persons 'with a legal interest in a parcel of land' to appeal to the Secretary of State that such land has been mistakenly included. No equivalent right of appeal exists for the general public, who have only one chance: that is the current draft stage, which runs from June 30 to September 30 (not a day longer!), so it is important to check the maps now.

It is a pity that no connection was made between this piece and the large Countryside Agency advertisement which appeared on page 19 of your July 3 issue, setting out the consultation arrangements (the fact that those arrangements have been roundly criticised is another matter!) More information is available from the Agency's helpline on 0845 100 3298 or their website at www.countryside.gov.uk/access/mapping

On the same July17 page is a piece about reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), suggesting inter alia that those reforms will increase the burdens felt by farmers. Heaven forbid that the burdens on farmers, such as the quoted increased obligations on animal welfare and environmental compliance, should increase, but who will speak up for the poor old taxpayer, whose CAP burden is now an average £600 per household per year?

'Pay up and shut up' has been the traditional response to anyone who dares suggest that such subsidy is less than justified. It is about time that a more considered and informed debate took place, with the taxpayer properly represented.

CLIVE Bostle, St Davids Drive, Evesham.