IT is a great disappointment that a planning inspector has upheld the appeal against the refusal of planning permission for an amusement centre on Huntingdon s Market Square. The applicant sees a profitable enterprise and has pursued this through several

IT is a great disappointment that a planning inspector has upheld the appeal against the refusal of planning permission for an amusement centre on Huntingdon's Market Square.

The applicant sees a profitable enterprise and has pursued this through several instances of refusal until he got the answer he wanted. There has been a clear and publicly-expressed view, through the pages of your newspaper and the other elements of the local media, against this facility, which is neither needed nor wanted in this location. Local businesses are also against it, as are the conservation and civic societies as well as the town and district councils.

While, in the eyes of the Inspector, the "black and white" letter of planning law may not be able to justify refusal, the view of the local community must carry some weight, and it is these highly subjective issues that were not considered sufficiently.

To have a house of fun within 50 yards or so of a War Memorial is hugely disrespectful, and Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday will be compromised as a result.

Levels of criminal activity and anti-social behaviour are likely to rise once this facility starts to operate, and the police will be busy in the town centre cleaning up the trouble.

The planning system has to serve the needs of the people and should not be used to allow self-serving individuals to foist unwanted enterprises on local communities.

The town council will be considering its options over the next few days and would welcome the views of residents, both for and against this facility, in order that we can represent our constituents faithfully.

BRIAN LUCKHAM

Leader

Huntingdon Town Council