IT was with some interest that I read the article 'Housing Plan for Pub Withdrawn' (Malvern Gazette & Ledbury Reporter, March 7).

For the time being the campaigners have won their argument that the building which was once the Crown Inn will not be redeveloped for housing.

To my knowledge it has been closed for at least 15 years.

Having lived in Cradley for over 30 years, I recall there were two other pubs that also found it best to close up years ago. When The Crown was open for business the customers were few and far between.

As for the statement that Cradley already supports several existing businesses, I wonder what is meant by support.

It may well be that some of those involved in the campaign are part of the nucleus of loyal customers who regularly buy from one particular village shop, nevertheless it is trade generated from outside the village that keeps this shop viable.

The campaigners managed to collect 758 signatures, they worked hard for this, congratulations to them. It may well be possible from a population of 1,600 or some, (with some effort) to obtain considerably more signatures than this from those who were against the idea.

After all, affordable housing for most people would be more important that a pub, especially as there are already two more just down the road.

FREDERICK B WHITE, Bosbury Road, Cradley.