I AM writing as a concerned resident of Ledbury with regards to the proposed referendum in Ledbury on October 27.

The reason this is due to take place is because of the way certain planning applications within Ledbury have been dealt with by the local planning authority. Many have been highly detrimental to the character of this town. Local people have to live with the planning decisions whether they like it or not.

The latest decision regarding Leadon Bank may well have been the last straw. Residents of Ledbury have never raised objections to the development of Leadon Bank, just to keep it within the character of the town.

The Ledbury Residents Group have now used the Local Government Act of 1972 legislation to have this town's first (and indeed within the county of Herefordshire) referendum.

The group felt this was the only way to bring to the attention of Ledbury residents exactly what is happening with regards to Leadon Bank and other recent planning decisions made by Hereford-shire Council.

Numerous planning objections were raised by members of the public and totally ignored by the council, so this, along with all the media interest it will bring, was the only way forward.

It has to be remembered this facility, if built, will set a new planning precedent, not only for Ledbury but the whole county in height and scale.

Members of Ledbury Town Council and townsfolk alike are deeply concerned as to what will happen to the incumbent residents of Leadon Bank - no real written assurances have ever been given as to their possible future. Could they be re-assessed and moved? Will local residents from Ledbury be able to use these new facilities in the future, or will they be out of reach due to their financial means? What of the land to rear of this redevelopment. How long before a planning application arrives to fill this space?

There are a number of small groups who have been fighting hard to change planning decisions taken by Hereford-shire Council. The groups, such as Albert Road Action Group, the Lower Road Action Group, the Ledbury Residents Group, all show there are people who are prepared to argue for what is right and proper for the town of Ledbury with regards to planning.

However, these groups need to unite and not be picked off one at a time. Remember the proverb 'united we stand, divided we fall!'

MR P J WATTS, Ledbury.