IT seems that Coun Barrie Thompson (SA, May 10) has been somewhat humbled by his election result in Parks.

This ward is a Labour stronghold and this was not reflected by the votes.

The councillor only polled 694 votes, while the Conservatives got 580 and the Green Party 355, with just a 24.96 turnout.

While Coun Thompson still supports the Coate development, his faithfuls obviously withdrew their vote for him, not able to stomach what would happen to their favourite beauty spot.

When our Save Coate petition was studied in the early days and analysed on the area where those signing lived, more than 20 per cent came from Parks, by far the highest percentage.

It was a young lady from Parks who pointed out that the development would turn Coate Water into just a park.

It was the country park that she so loved, she couldn't afford to go on holiday and this was the next best thing.

Even the planning inspector pointed out that the park's rural status must be retained if any development goes ahead.

If Coun Thompson is going to do all he can to make developers pay to improve Coate Water and the Richard Jefferies' Museum, how come there is no mention of either in the council's latest consultation document that looks at draft developer contributions for leisure and culture?

I hope that he is going to submit an objection.

J SAUNDERS.

Longcot Faringdon