SIR – As you are aware, the planning application for 80 houses in Hallow, near Worcester, has received numerous adverse comments from both residents and organisations (including the local school). The proposed development is far to big for such a small village.
A public meeting was called for Wednesday, October 7, to be held at the Council Offices in Malvern. At the last minute this meeting was cancelled. Why?
I have just received a letter from you stating that the meeting has now been arranged for Thursday, October 15 in a village hall nearly 30 miles from Hallow, i.e. St,Michaels Village Hall Tenbury Wells. It seems to me that the Planning Dept is going out of its way to make things very difficult for the concerned residents of Hallow to make their voices heard. Hallow has a perfectly adequate village hall. Over the years numerous planning meetings concerning this area of Worcestershire have been held there. Why can’t the above planning application meeting be held there?
You will also be aware that a number of other planning applications have been made with regard to developments in Hallow. This village is set to become one large building site.
As you are probably aware the general public do not hold planning departments in very high esteem. Your actions seem only to add fuel to the large bonfire of public cynicism.
JOHN WHITAKER
Hallow

I shall still vote no despite ‘confusion’
SIR – I note Mr David Barlow’s response to my letter re: the impact of the EU. I remember Mr Barlow from old PCT days and when he was an elected representative of some description.
It has always seemed a pity that his somewhat sneering and derisive tone has the effect of diminishing the validity of what he has to say. I well remember voting No in the 1975 referendum about what officials were pleased to call the Common Market just a trading area. John Petley whom Mr Barlow describes as “some bloke” is a distinguished commentator in his field. I remember attending a conference in London convened by the Labour Euro-Safeguards’ Group at which Tony Benn spoke as did Sir Michel Spicer MP on behalf of British Business interest.
Of course I have to accept Mr Barlow’s description of me as “a little confused”. (Don’t fret yourself dearie?) At the next referendum I shall vote No/Out for what is the EU has become, ever closer integration, a European superstate, increased taxation, increased bureaucratic control of regulations, of our lives and our country, not to forget the horrendous prospect of an EU army.
It is unfortunate that he cannot resist using terms such as “bleat”, “whinge”, “nonsense” for which read “criticise”. I do not know what colour politics he might now support; I wonder whether it might be “Clegg-on-your-face?”.
WENDY HANDS
Upton-upon-Severn

Urgent need for adoptive families
SIR – There are currently up to 40 young people in Worcestershire in need of the love and permanence adoption brings. Many of these children are over the age of four, some may have additional needs or are sibling groups of brothers and sisters who need to be placed together and all are from a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds. 
There’s an urgent need for potential adopters to come forward and offer some of the most vulnerable young people in the county what they need: a secure loving family committed to them for life.
During National Adoption Week 2015 next week, local authorities, voluntary adoption agencies like ourselves and all who work in adoption, will be working together to highlight the difference adoption can make to the lives of these children and help them find forever families.
To find out more about adoption please give us a call on 0800 5877 791 or visit our website at adoptersforadoption.com,
VIVIEN SLYFIELD
Head of Service, Adopters for Adoption, Bromsgrove

No respect for our beloved Queen
SIR – Labour’s leader Jeremy Corbyn is rude and ignorant.
He refuses to meet our deeply respected Queen.
Vote Tory, Labour are a shambles.
GEORGE COWLEY
Worcester