I WAS horrified to read in your article on the planned riverside park (February 17) that this would include our counties wildlife meadows and the bird sanctuary. I believed these to be a protected area. Is nothing sacred? Houghton and Wyton Council knows

I WAS horrified to read in your article on the planned riverside park (February 17) that this would include our counties' wildlife meadows and the bird sanctuary. I believed these to be a protected area. Is nothing sacred?

Houghton and Wyton Council knows nothing about this. It seems to be a 'done deal'. I am sure they will provide some consultation at a later stage when the planners have it all in place.

The Thicket path and the area beyond towards Houghton is a rare area of natural unspoilt beauty: why can't it just be left alone?

I was born in St Ives, and have seen the rural aspect of this area continually eroded. I now live in Houghton, and it seems that this is just being used as a suburb of St Ives.

We were not consulted on the St Ives transport strategy, which traipsed across our parish. It was taken that we would fall in with their plans.

Planners should understand that on Houghton's wildlife meadows we have species that are rare and unusual. All developers have by law to take notice of these and conserve and protect them. I cannot see that encouraging people to walk this area will enhance or help the wildlife and flora. Also, the so-called management of these sites is to me a disaster that ruins the natural aspect of why tourists visit the parish.

Please leave Houghton out of your riverside park plans: it does not want urbanisation, just a quiet life without the interference of planners, rangers and other well-meaning meddlers.

HEATHER MERRYWEATHER

Ansley Road

Houghton