ON December 3, a long letter from John Hunter was printed in your newspaper. Alongside was a pastoral scene at Coate.

I believe the essence of Mr Hunter's message was:

l It is a shame to cover green fields with bricks and mortar

l When members of the public wish to object to development, they are unfairly handicapped. This is what some people found when they tried to resist the westward expansion of Swindon 30 years ago.

I suppose every building in the Swindon area stands on what was once open countryside.

Near to Mr Hunter's home in Kerry Close, a footpath known as Donkey Lane once passed through pleasant pastures. In summer, it was a joy to walk this peaceful path, with May blossom overhead and colourful wild flowers about the way.

In more recent times, I have tried to trace the route of Donkey Lane through the housing estates. No flowers now, only litter and graffiti.

E G Ball

Purton