THE realisation by market traders that the council had once again failed to shackle the KTC1 developers, shows how risky it is to trust in the KTC1 vision.

What is the point of an expensive covered market with no rent control built in?

What also is the point of an expanded town centre with no cinema, no arts centre, no leisure vision - all things "watered down" or dropped since the original idea was sold to us.

Have the developers taken advantage of the nave political situation in order to drop one by one any provisions which do not involve shops?

Did Wyre Forest District Council not make sure it would have a financial share in the proceeds from not only KTC1 rent revenue but also its super-lucrative car parking franchise?

In towns where councils have ensured these shares by negotiation, more money accrues from such revenues than do from Council Tax which, thus, stays very low.

If (as one trusts) it does have a stake, then on what basis does this council operate the Government requirements for "best value"?

While all this goes on, shops continue to close around the Swan Centre area, and the parking crisis increases.

We also know the council has offered to sell one of our town centre car parks so that the college can turn vital green space in Aggborough into millions of pounds for its coffers.

People must be aware that, whatever permissions have been obtained, the college cannot move unless they get permission to re-designate the quarry for housing.

In addition, no notice should be taken of people who suggest there are no plans to build houses on the former cattle market which, though a suitable place to build, will also throw further traffic problems onto the narrow Hoo Road.

And what price the council later forcing the Harriers out of town for another housing estate and a few more hundred cars on to their site?

Residents wishing to object to the college plans should telephone or write to the planning department at Land Oak House (tel: 01562 732519). There is no need to worry about the 21-day limit.

In addition they can attend the 6pm planning meeting on May 17 in the town hall. They can also discuss with councillors who represent the district (two on telephone/fax 01562 741955, the other, also deputy chairman of the council on 01299 403399) why this should be the only district in town with no green space, where the once admirable quality of life is to be buried in concrete and cars.

RD VAUGHAN

Griffin Avenue

Kidderminster