The last thing I want to get involved in is endless slanging matches about the advantages and disadvantages of events at the Three Counties Showground, but as it was my letter that was being criticised by Tony Halls (Your Letters, October 11) I feel that I should say something by way of a reply.

Firstly, when I moved to the Wells in 1979 the noise from the showground, certainly in a regular sense

was practically non-existent, that is compared to what it is now. I believe there were around four events a year then; now there are over a hundred - or so I am informed.

Also, the information regarding the fact that it was only supposed to be used for agricultural purposes was not plucked out of the air, it was only me re-iterating what was stated in the local parish magazine.

As for the Three Counties Agricultural Society being a charity, I don't see that as an excuse for inconsiderate noise pollution in the area. I have no idea who benefits from the charity. I sincerely hope that many people do, and would welcome a letter or article stating where all the money goes - in and out.

The comparison of moving to Malvern Wells in the vicinity of the Three Counties Showground and residents living near Silverstone or Fairford is laughable.

The last thing that crossed my mind when buying a house in near-rural Malvern Wells in 1979 was car-orientated events such as those currently on seemingly week-in, week-out.

Apart from the traffic to and from the events in the first place, many of the meets result in noisy vehicles circuiting the areas around Malvern Wells throughout the weekend it takes place. This is in addition to the screeching of tyres and loud revving from the showground (the kit car event), and a blaring PA all day long (most) and firework displays late at night (some). These activities may be fine for people who like and attend these type of events, I can appreciate that. However, an opinion poll by all those residents affected by the noise and traffic they attract to their residential area would be interesting to say the least!

However, the real comparison, and issue here, surely, is that I, like many others before and since, bought a house in Malvern Wells many years ago as a residential dwelling.

If I suddenly started using my garage as a car repair shop or something similar, my neighbours would, quite rightly, strongly object and no doubt the council would be on to me like a ton of bricks telling me this is not allowed.

So what is the difference between that hypothetical situation and that of the Three Counties Agricultural Society developing considerably this site in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (I would be extremely surprised if the council had allowed that without conditions) then later, stepping well outside the bounds of what an agricultural showground in a semi-rural area is intended to, or should, be utilised for?

T Cox, The Moorlands, Malvern Wells.