AT last a voice of reason and common sense in the ongoing saga of the Areley Kings recreation ground footpath closure (H Field's letter in the March 9 issue).

What a fuss Jamie Shaw, Robert Brown and M Dowell have been making in recent weeks about what is, at best, a muddy track across a field, and its closure by the council.

Is this battle really about what they see as a right-of-way? Is it politically motivated? Or are they simply taking a swipe at the residents next to the track who have suffered anti-social behaviour by youths for years?

Since the metal gate was put in place, the only way to access the track across the field was by squeezing between the gatepost and the hedge, or by climbing over the gate - no easy feat for the "elderly and less physical" Mr Brown speaks of, and impossible for anyone with a pushchair, cycle or shopping trolley. Surely to be a right-of-way, access has to be unhindered?

The track in question is uneven, with potholes, humps and bumps and, when it rains, becomes muddy and slippery. Add to this the dog mess left by owners too lazy to clean up after their pets.

The footpath down the side of the allotments is, by contrast, flat, straight, free of holes and safer under foot. I believe it is also to be resurfaced in the near future.

As for being "the long way round" as Mr Brown claims, the only extra distance is from the junction of the new footpath with Areley Common to the old track's junction with Areley Common - approximately 25 yards. Hardly a route march.

Mr Brown also expresses his fears of muggers loitering in the passageways and underpasses, on the new footpath. What are you talking about Mr Brown?

Perhaps you could tell us exactly where these are because, as a frequent user of the path, I have never seen anything resembling a passageway or underpass.

Some years ago a man was assaulted and robbed while using the track across the open field.

Surely the fact that the footpath along the allotment side of the field is fenced on one side must make it safer? Perhaps the council could be prevailed upon to put up some lights.

This whole issue does seem to be a fiasco. The footpath has not been lost - just moved. A move for the better in my opinion, and certainly for the greater good.

There must surely be other local issues to be addressed by those wishing to "bang the drum".

What about asking the powers-that-be how much the container on the village hall car park is costing to hire, and when the play equipment stored inside is going to be used again.

D ALLEN

Full address supplied