MR Cook, M/D at Walton Marine would go far with New Labour in his dismissal of reasonable criticism of his company's large scale project in Upton as "eccentric and one-sided" because it does not accord with his own views, also perhaps "one-sided"? He contends Walton Marine has wanted to work in partnership (more New Labour buzz) with the town, whoever that term includes? It may be a partnership which many resident would prefer to avoid.

Proposing to build 43 chalets, 60 apartments and parking for 400 vehicles on or adjacent to the flood plain does not to most ordinary folk accord with basic common sense, particularly when the Environment Minister was recently lobbied for financial support to raise the A4104 to alleviate serious problems during times of flood. Does Walton Marine envisage covering the cost of this as planning gain?

In 1980 the district council and appeal inspector stated their view that the A4104 was at peak times already over capacity. Twenty-two years on this must now be writ large.

At appeal, a representative from the Inland Waterways Association consulted by the British Waterways Board and DoE gave his opinion that the BWB ought then to limit the number of licences issued to boat users believing there to be too many exits onto the river causing unacceptable delays at locks and congestion.

Twenty-two years on there must come a saturation point where use of the river by boat users exceeds a reasonable balance with other legitimate river activities and overburdens the environment.

Has Walton marine compiled a business case demonstrating what its theoretical increased customer base would be and the need for double the number of berths?

In 1980 the Appeal Inspector found two aspects of the planning application to double the size of the marina basin "wholly unacceptable", the visual impact (no chalets and apartments then) and the proposal not to remove the spoil. He assumed the scheme would be financially unviable if planing permission rested on the requirement to remove it. He did not object to a "modest expansion" of the basin but perceived "serious deficiencies in the present scheme". That seems like a balanced view for Walton Marine to work to.

I am not alone in having confidence that this town's future prospects will be enhanced by the input of the many businesses seen at the recent successful Trade Fair who look forward to attracting and training local labour as well as residents supporting local businesses all year round. Life certainly is a balance as Mr Cook says, a balance of the interests of local residents, local traders, commercial concerns and tourist needs.

WENDY HANDS, Church Walk, Upton-upon-Severn.