I must commend the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT) for its persistence in continuing to push for a development on the land west of Metcalfe Lane (Derwenthorpe).

Time after time, since they first became involved in 1999, they have faced opposition from different organisations and many local people, yet they pursue their goal no matter what obstacle is encountered.

The latest episode (New village hit by more delays, The Press, October 10) and their response remind me of a ten-round heavyweight boxing contest. Here we have JRHT in the red corner, Friends Of Osbaldwick Meadows in the blue.

Round after round, JRHT takes a pummelling from the Friends yet refuses to capitulate, even surviving a knockdown in round eight. (It is eight years since they first announced that this land known as the "Field of Dreams" was to be developed.) Still it refuses to quit, up it gets from the canvas and comes back for more. It has the audacity, even while the bout is in full swing, to mount a sideshow by organising a local development community forum, further demonstrating its commitment.

At this stage, any trainer worth his salt would realise that the blows his man has already taken and the increasing hostile arena he is competing in, that a victory is unlikely - now is the time to throw in the towel.

However, this philosophy appears not to be the way of red corner. No matter what, they continue to encourage their man to go the full ten rounds, fervently hoping that he survives and does not succumb to a final KO by the friends.

The moral of this story is that when you put your man into the ring, have some idea of the strength of opposition. Also, have in place an exit strategy should events not go to plan.

D Spaven, Appletree Village, York.