I WRITE to you after reading the letter from Liz Smith printed in the Evening News on August 26 regarding the leasing of Pitchcroft and our complacency at the time. We now see our mistake by not speaking out when we had the chance.

We are about to make the same mistake again this time with regard to Northwick Lodge recreation ground.

Back in early summer, planning permission was put forward to change the Lodge from a recreation ground into a sports field, with four football pitches, a cricket pitch and a block of changing rooms with shower facilities.

This was strongly opposed by all who used the Lodge for other activities and the fear of more vandalism.

When the planning permission was turned down because of 100 or more objections, we thought that was an end to it. Not so.

We now have a public enquiry on the matter due in January next year. I cannot understand why the council cannot accept the view of the public.

I write this letter in the hope that all the residents in the Northwick area who enjoy this open space for whatever activity to speak up now, as next year it will be to late - and we will have lost our beautiful Northwick Lodge forever.

MRS ANN VALE, Worcester.