SIR - It was another of those nights, bitterly cold with indications of wintery conditions, so why did about 100 people attend Clayton Conservative Club when they could have been at home.

They were attending a meeting to express their concerns about a proposed housing development in a field at the top of The Avenue in Clayton.

It quickly became clear that, for many, the season of goodwill had come to an abrupt end.

There is one small field which the developers intend to change into a Downtown New York site with 18 high townhouses and three apartment blocks containing 18 flats. So on a small patch of land it is proposed there will be 36 new homes.

People are rightly concerned about the undoubted impact on the community. Among their concerns are: The density of the development; road safety issues; schools; the styling of the development and possible drainage problems.

Clayton must look to our elected councillors for support to challenge this unwelcome development.

But each of us, together, must do what we can to stop yet another attack on our way of life here in Clayton.

Dennis Delaney (Clayton Parish Councillor), The Avenue, Clayton