May I thank the Gazette and Herald for the coverage given to the provision of a community hall in Market Lavington.

Much of the excellent correspondence misses some important points. I do not propose to spend time on the argument for that has been

adequately discussed but try to offer a possible solution.

It became obvious at the last meeting of the parish council that strong views were held within that body about the proposed hall.

One councillor indicated that there was no question of the site adjacent to the community hall plot becoming a public recreation space.

So no children's play area, and probably, by inference, no development. Further, that if the council was not happy with the solution arrived at by the community hall committee they would take over the task and pay for the hall with a levy on council tax. These remarks were made almost as an aside but as no councillors put forward an alternative view it must enjoy some support. So any criticism of the committee is unfair, they are in a difficult position. It all comes down to money. We have just bought the Old School with a 50-year loan.

I do not have any strong feelings about that except that there must be a question about committing children, as yet unborn, to paying for things we want. To do this with another project seems irresponsible. If we want something we should make sure that we are able and prepared to pay for it.

I would offer the following solution. Under the Lotteries and Gaming Act 1972 there are provisions for communities to run a lottery in order to raise funds. There are several examples up and down the country of this. We could involve the young. Some would be more than happy to have this on their CV. Similarly, those at the other end of life's spectrum could lend their experience to the project. There would be a feasibility study first but we now have the IT centre for Internet research, database, spreadsheets, etc. I do not underestimate the difficulty of this idea but it's as valid as going into property development and less risky.

If anyone would like to explore the idea call me on (01380) 818944 or e-mail derekwhite3@hotmail.com

The wish list in the village is a long one: skateboard park, new windows for the Old School, additional sports facilities. So all you budding Bransons and Roddicks and ex-CEOs come along and share your brains. We can at least do the feasibility part of the project and put it up for consideration to the parish council.

D R WHITE

Market Place

Market Lavington