FURTHER to my letter published in the Advertiser on July 31 and the subsequent article printed on September 25 regarding the petition calling for improvements to the Studley Recreation Ground.

The petition containing 340 signatures was presented to the parish council on October 15.

Rather disappointingly, despite requesting in advance that adequate time be allocated to discuss the issues raised, because of other council business, we were restricted by council chairman Maureen Rickards to just three minutes per respondent.

It seemed rather more leeway was granted to respondents when discussing where to invest council funds.

Regarding replacement of the dilapidated play equipment, the chairman acknowledged this would be replaced in due course.

However, when I pressed her for details on the amount of funding available, the exact timescale for improvements and if grant funding from the district council were to be applied for, only a vague response was forthcoming.

It seems a shame the habit of platitudes, coupled with promises, yet devoid of detail, which seems to affect our most senior politicians has now seeped down to our most minor of public officials.

I can only hope Studley residents will continue to apply pressure to the parish council to ensure these promises are carried out.

If they are not, then I ask residents to voice their disapproval at the elections next year.

It must be remembered that only 40 per cent of the incumbent parish council has actually been voted for, and then at the 1995 elections.

Perhaps this body will not again be elected, as in 1999, uncontested and without a single vote being cast.

I would like to thank all those who signed the petition for their support and apologise to those who, because of a lack of papers, did not have a chance to sign.

Also the headteacher of Studley Community Infant School, Mrs Price, for her request that the school children should have an input regarding the new play equipment, should this actually take place.

Finally, Councillor Gill Harris for her gracious words at the parish meeting.

MARK PITTAWAY

Haydon Close

Studley