Many people will be confused by the long-running saga of the Spitalcroft in Devizes.

After all, the threat to it began as far back as 1992. Even those who have been paying close attention have to think hard to remember just what stage we have reached.

Although the site was recently on the north-east edge of town, the rapid spread of housing to the east has moved it nearer to the centre. Preserving it concerns anyone in the town who does not wish to see a sweep of unrelieved housing take us over. We need the green lung it provides in this position, for the

excellent allotments it used to give us and for public parkland alongside the canal.

Last November the developers Robert Hitchins Ltd were refused planning permission to make allotments off Windsor Drive, which would have released the former

Spitalcroft allotments for them to build between 135 and 156 homes. They were also refused their separate application for the actual building of the houses. You would think that was an end to it, but it is not.

On February 3, they will be appealing on a ruling made last April, stating that they cannot make

allotments off Windsor Drive.

Even though the general public are not invited to speak at the Planning Inspector's inquiry, they are entitled to be present.

A strong presence signed in under "Save Our Spitalcroft" will help to show our strength of feeling. Come if you can.

The hearing starts at 10am on Tuesday in the Wessex Room, Corn Exchange, Devizes.

A Padwick

Chairman

Save Our Spitalcroft Community Group