DEAR EDITOR -- I have just read in the Advertiser/Messenger of the plans by David Payne Homes Ltd to build on the Willow Road site of the old button factory.

While I can appreciate that building houses on this brown-field site is preferable to extending into the green belt, I am extremely perturbed about the position of Frank Hedges and Son.

The firm of Frank Hedges has served Bromsgrove for many years. As a long-standing customer, I must be one of many, many Bromsgrove residents who rely on them for regular servicing of lawn-mowers or buying new ones, sharpening garden tools etc. I have also seen equipment taken there from local small-holdings for service. It would be a disaster for all of us if the firm were to close.

If they are forced to move, I would hope that they are well compensated, and helped to find new premises within a reasonable distance of the town centre.

Mrs Gillian Ford

New Road

Bromsgrove