HOW we sympathise with David Goodwin and others on Newtown Road, Malvern, fighting to save a garden oasis from being developed.

We, too, battled for nearly three years to prevent two oases being destroyed (plus two bungalows knocked down for more space). Alas, after countless refusals by town and county council, the plans got through on a second appeal - not just for a couple of houses but an estate of 11. A bill is being introduced to Parliament by the Conservative MP for Tunbridge Wells to confront this problem of garden-grabbing. It is the only hope to save green spaces and wildlife habitats within our small towns.

CATHERINE WARD (Albert and Victoria Appeal Group), Victoria Road, Ledbury.