Meadow for parking is lunacy

MAY I correct the impression that the piece of land now under threat for car parking is that which was saved from destruction 20 years ago. It is not the same piece of land, but it does adjoin it. I would also like to know why the council and others in E

MAY I correct the impression that the piece of land now under threat for car parking is that which was saved from destruction 20 years ago. It is not the same piece of land, but it does adjoin it.

I would also like to know why the council and others in Ely are so obsessed with parking that they will propose one pointless and unworkable scheme after another.

Why do they think people come to Ely?

Is it because it is still a beautiful, unspoilt and historic city with a wonderful green area or is it because another piece of our heritage has been concreted over?

You were right to refer to the situation as a farce.

I am also astounded that the cathedral's authorities would consider using part of this beautiful setting in this way - especially as they promised 20 years ago not to destroy the adjoining paddock for 99 years.

MICHAEL EDWARDS

Victoria Street, Littleport.

I WANT to add my strongly felt opposition to the suggestion of using the cathedral green area to try to provide some kind of short-term solution to the problem of parking in Ely. I was relieved to see the last few letters in your paper seemed to feel the same way.

If this went ahead, it would be an absolute crime, not only against the beautiful and natural parts of the environment that should be protected in and around Ely but it would only be a 'tip-of-the-iceberg' scenario.

Cars and car owners (present and future) have an insatiable appetite for more space. I know what we're like - I own one too. It will never stop unless we stop it now.

Some things you can't put financial figures against but, every day, someone (including me and my family) is appreciating the brilliant natural parkland that we have in Ely.

Please leave it alone.

CHRIS WILLIAMS

Broad Street

Ely

WE wish to register our strongest possible objection to the proposal to build on cathedral land. We are astounded that it has ever been put forward. Whoever was responsible for that is being totally irresponsible.

The whole question of parking in Ely has been fudged for some years, starting with the closure of the Market Square to accommodate that ridiculous sundial.

Two thirds of the existing short-term parking has been allocated for the disabled or loading.

We have been promised a park-and-ride or city hopper scheme, neither of which seems to have been properly thought-out or progressed.

To envisage using part of the cathedral meadow for parking as a solution is lunacy.

DAVID and HELEN FORD

WE moved to Witcham 20 years ago and one of the main attractions was having Ely so close by. We have watched it expand and accepted the inevitable loss of fields. We are sure that the new residents love Cherry Hill Park and the few other green spaces left in the city. Please do not sacrifice this area for the sake of car parking.

There must be more imaginative solutions that don't use green spaces. Has an underground or multi-storey car park on the Waitrose car park ever been considered?

JANE LUCAS and JEFF PARKER and OWEN, JOSHUA and EVE LUCAS.

The Orchards

Witcham

WE write to protest most strongly at the proposal to construct a car park on the meadows in front of the cathedral. Why stop there.

Why don't we demolish the cathedral as well!

There would then be plenty of space for a multi-storey car park and retail opportunities and we would be able to fulfil once and for all the desires of this appalling district council.

CM AND AL DEVEREUX

Barton Road

Ely

THE proposal to build on the cathedral meadow is appalling. It will ruin for- ever a precious green space with a splendid view of the cathedral. Short-term gain for the few should not triumph over long-term benefits for the many, including generations to come.

CAROLYN LANBERT

Vinces Court

Ely

I LIKE Viv Seymour's letter last week in this paper.

The suggestion of using the old Westmill Foods site in Angel Drove as a multi-storey car park is a very good one.

It makes more sense than any other view I have heard. Good idea Viv.

L LEONARD by e-mail