SO Cllr Morrison doesn t want to be seduced by the Master Plan and fears for the quality of life that he takes for granted. So how long does he think his comfortable lifestyle will continue if we all join him by the fireside and let the developers do the

SO Cllr Morrison doesn't want to be seduced by the Master Plan and fears for the quality of life that he takes for granted. So how long does he think his comfortable lifestyle will continue if we all join him by the fireside and let the developers do their worst?

Likening our Master Plan for Ely with proposals for Mereham is akin to equating Beethoven with the Beatles, or a priceless jewel with bling.

The Master Plan, once approved, will be Ely's passport to renewed self-sufficiency and prosperity and a means of righting some of the worst planning transgressions of the past . Far more than a blueprint for more housing, it is also a coherent strategy for improved city centre retail development and much increased quality employment suited to the wider skills base of our growing population.

The railway and the A10 can bring business in, not just take it out. Few other cities are so conveniently linked to London and numerous other UK cities as well as, via Stansted Airport, to the rest of Europe.

Compared to Ely what has Mereham to offer? Nothing more than tin pot sleep-over accommodation for A10 commuters - the Lib Dems ambition for our city, it seems.

Ely has a great and glorious history: it deserves to be preserved as a thriving community of people who are proud of their heritage and able to live and work locally, shopping in traffic free streets and enjoying 21st Century sports, facilities, a tranquil country park and lively riverside. Left as a dormitory for London commuters and a retirement home for the elderly with no interest in the welfare of future generations, Ely will die.

Government is forcing us to build more houses and the need for homes must be addressed. We can do it ourselves, and reap the benefits from the wealth it brings into our community, or have Mereham type carbuncles heaped upon us to profit others. The Master Plan is clear evidence that we have the will, the foresight and the capability to meet future housing, employment, traffic and leisure needs. Without it the case against Mereham is very much weakened indeed. I trust Hazel Blears has been sent a leather bound copy.

JACKIE PETTS

District Councillor, Ely East