I HAVE followed with increasing fascination the saga of the Derwenthorpe developments, most recently the Press report: 'Have we got newts for you' (September 10).

Two questions worry me:

1. If great crested newts were indeed discovered there, why did nobody photograph them at the time? It would have been simple enough and would have stopped people such as myself doubting their existence.

2. If the good people of Osbaldwick are so interested in natural history why have they not set up a nature reserve similar to the one on St Nicholas' fields?

Before a great deal of money is spent on two (or more, or less) newts may we have these questions answered?

For me, at least, the patch of land near Metcalfe Lane seems very uninteresting and may be enhanced considerably by the carefully thought-out development which is being proposed.

I do acknowledge, however, that it has served as an effective social barrier between the people who live in Osbaldwick and the Tang Hall Estate.

Maybe this is the reason for a sudden enthusiasm for the welfare of great crested newts.

GR Williamson,

Address supplied.

Updated: 11:06 Wednesday, September 15, 2004