SOME thousand of years ago, Neolithic man considered land at Coate so special and sacred that a Stone Circle was built.

Modern man, on the other hand, thought so little of his past that he built a road, Day House Lane, across half of the ancient monument.

About 150 years ago Richard Jefferies, novelist and naturalist, born and bred at Coate Farm, celebrated the wildlife and landscape of the area in his books.

In the Advertiser on October 20 it was announced that a Government planning panel agreed with Swindon Borough Council that the wildlife and landscape are so worthless that Coate should be covered in concrete and buildings.

Let us hope that future generations have more vision and more respect for their heritage.

J Saunders

Longcot