I have seen nothing quite as disgusting and shocking as the vandalising of Langold's football field by a local developer. Despite having no planning permission, the pitch has been made unplayable by the digging of 12 large holes across the pitch. I don't know who the developer is trying to impress, but he has certainly turned many of us against this proposed housing development. After all Costhorpe has just got 300 new houses agreed, so why does Langold need any more? I am therefore joining the fight to preserve this historic and very well used community facility where so many successful and local football teams play.

One success from our council is the new water feature and paddling pool at the Canch. I think this low cost and low maintenance approach is very sensible and fits the environment it is in. Having revisited Langold Lake this week, I am in no doubt that a similar investment would be a sustainable and significant improvement to the Langold Country Park. There are plans and there is money for this area, and as a first stage getting a paddling pool and a renewed bandstand should be happening now.

I hope that this week's public inquiry into the Vesuvius development will lead to a quick and speedy rejection of the Council's decision to refuse this new industrial park.

Whilst simultaneously trying to drive the market traders out of town, the Council claims to be the guardian of local trade. It's a shame nobody has told the traders this!

The reality is of course that the 1,000 jobs created will stimulate the local economy, particularly when so many public sector jobs are under threat. The added competition from a new Asda petrol station will help drive down prices and cheaper petrol prices will also be a boost to those single traders and small businesses that need to thrive in this area. All the feedback that I have received is that white van man strongly supports the Vesuvius development.

The loss of free swimming for the school holidays has mystified everyone I have spoken to. I am less surprised. I think that this is an attempt to penny pinch which has only served to drive pensioners and children away from the leisure centres and the additional facilities they provide.