REMEMBER the Iraqi information minister and his infamous "there are no Americans in Baghdad" speech as the tanks rolled in behind him live on TV?

Well, Nigel Ingram of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation obviously went to the same school of media relations judging by his letter extolling the mythical ecological "benefits" of the JRF's proposed Derwenthorpe housing estate (September 9).

Does he seriously think anyone believes such nonsense? I too would encourage people to read the latest changes to the JRF's plans for the mass destruction of the Osbaldwick wildlife meadows.

They will see that, while this site is to be ecologically cleansed, a 15-acre site is to be sown down to wildflowers at, surprise, surprise - New Earswick, rather a long walk from Osbaldwick, Mr Ingram.

I publicly challenge Mr Ingram to substantiate the comments made in the planning proposals of which he is so proud, that state that "great crested newts have possibly been introduced illegally by persons unknown," a fatuous remark given the correspondence on this page by readers recounting the presence of these creatures during many years.

Given that great crested newts appear to be popping up at various points around the site, Mr Ingram would be better employed organising an independent and thorough survey at the correct time of year.

I, like many others, hope the JRF and City of York Council's "Disasterthorpe" scheme is "newtered."

Then perhaps the Osbaldwick meadows can achieve a Local Nature Reserve status and the question of affordable housing can be addressed on the huge "brownfield" site at York Central.

M Warters,

Yew Tree Mews,

Osbaldwick Village, York.

Updated: 10:38 Tuesday, September 14, 2004