THE Broadway Trust is concerned about the future of the former Gordon Russell site in the centre of the village. Plans so far submitted to the Wychavon District Council have been dominated by over dense housing estates and have found little to no favour locally or within the Parish and District Councils. They certainly have not met the criteria set out in the council's guide which required a balance between employment, housing and amenities.

The demise of the Gordon Russell business left a big gap in the life of the village. Over a very long period it contributed immeasurably to Broadway's character, quality and prosperity, and it is now of the utmost importance that the opportunity be taken to create the structure which will encourage the filling of this gap. To build an over dense housing estate on the areas which were once the base for an important part of the village economy is not the way to do this. A sizeable part should be used to attract a quality enterprise which could invigorate the economy and the life of the community.

We have written to the American owners asking them to take a more enlightened approach and are alerting individuals and organisations of standing to encourage a positive interest in achieving this. We hope that public opinion will be galvanised, and that individuals who share our concerns will take action before it is too late to prevent the village being blighted for generations to come.

IAN R THOMAS, Chairman, The Broadway Trust, Haysums Close, Chipping Campden.