The Joseph Rowntree Housing Association wants to build on a beautiful meadow in New Earswick because the land is "under-used".

That word really is a cop-out. The land in question, which most people here wish to see left alone, is much used for walking, exercising pets and as a lovely approach to a precious country walk to Huntington and Old Earswick.

I cannot believe that most members of the trust are so lacking in sensitivity they can't see the value of the all-too-few wide open spaces near the city.

Roy Stevens,

Willow Bank,

New Earswick, York.