I am looking forward to the opportunity to vote in the local referendum being organised for all Ledbury residents on the issues regarding the decision by the local authority to approve the five story redevelopment of Leadon Bank in the central area of Ledbury.

I think we all should have a right to say what we feel about this decision. The message that will be sent to the local authority will either be 'stop making these inappropriate decisions' or 'go ahead and make these decisions'. A vote or non-vote of confidence in them.

I'm sure there will be those people who believe this referendum is a waste of time and/or money but this opportunity gives us all the chance to get involved in having some input into the direction of Ledbury in the future. Do we all want to be surrounded by massive blocks going up all over the place. Twenty houses squeezed onto a sixpence, knock down a greenhouse and build eight houses!

I believe the actual cost of this referendum is going to be the equivalent of 50p per resident. I don't think that's too much to ask in return for democracy and a chance of making our views known.

I'm proud to live in Ledbury, I'm proud of its history, its High Street, its Market House, Britain in Bloom, the Poetry Festival, Town Crier, etc, etc and admire all those who put so much effort into making Ledbury what it is. I won't be proud if we all allow Ledbury to be spoilt and overshadowed. I can only presume those against this opportunity aren't proud of it.

Personally, I have had no problems with the notion of redeveloping the facilities at Leadon Bank and, as someone who has a relative there, I would want the best for them. However, how anyone can believe this scale and height of building 'fits in' is beyond any kind of common sense at all.

Beverley Stokes, Belle Orchard, Ledbury.