SIR,

Steve Wadley makes an excellent point about Monmouthshire County Council's chaotic protection of our town.

Those employed by the council to protect our heritage, such as the tree officers, knew nothing about the latest cycle way intrusion into Drybridge Park.

The officers apparently knew no more than did the council's archaeological advisors (or Cadw) did before another department of the council used a machine to dig an illegal trench the full length of the Scheduled Ancient Monument at Clawdd Du.

When the present footpath was set up through Drybridge Park (while another path was temporarily closed), I wrote to the planning officer, Jeff Martin, expressing concern that another division of the park would lead to further developments – as had previously happened in the park.

Mr Martin wrote assuring me that when the original footpath was re-opened, the demolished wall would be re-instated and the temporary footpath closed.

Later, after the original path was re-opened, the council laid a tarmac surface along the 'temporary' path, so I wrote again and received a letter to say that he was 'investigating'.

Although I wrote again, I never received a reply – and he was a senior officer.

Last week you reported on the council's 'statement of intent' in its Flood Risk Management Strategy – I wonder if this will make any difference to the council's policy, and defence, of building on the flood plains?

I doubt it.

Steve Clarke

(Monmouth)