THE overwhelming rejection of the plans to develop the former treasurer's department site in Albert Road North is a victory for all those who took on the might of the council and its arrogant disregard for public opinion.

Fortunately, the vast majority of our elected councillors have shown they are there to represent the views of those who have charged them with the responsibility of determining such planning issues.

I think we all owe a debt of gratitude to the 176 people who took the trouble to articulate their objections to the council and to the 78 per cent who responded so positively to our recent survey.

However, as council taxpayers, we are all entitled to know who is responsible for this ill-conceived flight of fancy. Considerable public resources will have been expended over the 18 months that Malvern Hills District Council has been negotiating the sale of this site.

If the council and the housing association decide to take their case to appeal, or indeed come back with revised plans, then they will fly in the face of massive public hostility.

Surely, the right course of action would be to withdraw this land sale permanently and retain the site as a long-term car park for all those who work in Great Malvern and contribute to the prosperity of the town.

TONY HUNABAN, Save Malvern Car Parks Action Group, Church Street, Malvern.