LET us not become too despondent over the Heritage Lottery Fund putting on hold its decision over whether to grant £4,172,000 towards the restoration of Lydiard Park.

The sum requested is so huge that the HLF's explanation that the delay is down to the sheer scale of the project and the competing demands for its funds is entirely plausible.

Let us also remember that, at this stage, a delay is all it is. We have not lost the money and we should not act as if we have.

The 260-acre site is one of several historic and architectural jewels in an area which cynics never tire of claiming has none. Restored to its 18th Century glory, it would serve as a living link to the era of the early King Georges and of Johnson and Boswell.

In those days stately parks and mansions were built on huge scales to impress and money was often no object.

Now, just restoring the parkland towards its former glory is too ambitious and costly an exercise.

The plan must be scaled down to be in with a chance to beat rival bids.

But all is not lost the lottery will consider a more modest scheme.