As secretary of the Lickey Hills Society, I would like to clarify the role of the society in relation to your article 'Protest aims to save oasis.'

In April 1999 when the possibility of development of the site in Beacon Hill was first raised, our chairman, Baden Carlson, and the vice-chairman, John Ashman, who both live on Beacon Hill, expressed a 'declared interest' in the development. At that time they both offered to withdraw from any part of future committee meetings when this issue was to be discussed. This was accepted by the committee and both MrCarlson and Mr Ashman have not taken part in any discussions on the Beacon Hill development since April 1999.

From the outset, the Lickey Hills Society has raised objections to the building of further houses on Beacon Hill on a range of environmental issues. These objections have been registered with the planning department of Bromsgrove District Council in the normal manner.

Mike Brooke,

Secretary, Lickey Hills Society.