AS a person who grew up in a town and was then fortunate enough to live and work in the countryside, I am often surprised and disappointed at the attitude of some people whose relative affluence has allowed them the same privilege.

I am referring here to the turmoil caused in the minds of a few Milton Lilbourne residents because a local farmer throw your hands up in horror wants to keep some chickens.

If we were talking about a battery hen house built next to the village green, then objections would be reasonable.

But as I understand it, they are going to be organic, free range birds, kept in welfare and environmentally friendly housing, around half a mile away from the nearest house.

Some people apparently have no concept that there is an agricultural industry outside their front door.

This is an industry that constantly needs to adapt and change in order to meet new markets and survive.

They it seems won't be happy until the countryside is a place fit only for riding stables and shiny sports utility vehicles, with maybe the odd cow or sheep around to make the place look nice concrete ones obviously, as they don't go in for any noisy mooing or nasty smells.

If these people really wish to live in a theme park then I suggest moving to Disneyland.

On the other hand they could perhaps get some understanding of the community in which they live, and presumably wish to be a part of.

M RIVERS

Swindon