Re the planning application for Evesham Abbeys' historic Gatehouse and the Great Court.

A THREE storey apartment block with 36 car parking spaces at the rear will successfully cover anything that might be beneath the surface. Evesham Abbey was one of the greatest of our English abbeys and it is a tragedy that what the reformation began local people over the years have continued to do to the detriment of the area.

It would be a pity if what remains - however fragmented were to follow suit. The Great Court and the Gate need protection.

I note that the developers have promised to open up, expose, restore, revitalise and enhance historic parts of the fabric that exists.

Does this mean that the public will be able to see it and will there be some written information about it? Is this the open space and education likewise promised?

I know the county needs money, developers need money, Evesham needs money and housing brings money. It seems however short sighted to build more homes, more flats and at the same time consider closing local hospital wards so that there will be an ever increasing population and decreasing facilities. Likewise think of all those cars!

A serious and imaginative scheme using the abbey remains and hopefully uncovering more information regarding Eveshams past glory would cost a great deal - but ultimately would be more worthwhile for the town, its tourism and cultural levels. After all once this area is built on its gone and Evesham will have parted with another bit of its birth right.

I hope that the planning committee will give serious consideration to what they are doing. Evesham and its ancient abbey remains deserve great consideration.

Lastly might is not be possible one day to open up the nave and cloister to show the layout and the buildings? (education and open space!)

I M PINKSTONE, Malinshill Road, Evesham.