SIR — I was interested in Nick Bangs' letter (Free Press June 16) where he questions the evidence regarding the housing development on the East Quay.

He may have forgotten that in the referendum, when the turnout was double that of normal council elections, two thirds voted against a housing development on the East Quay.

In addition the £5,000 raised to pay SWAMP'S barrister's fee was raised by the generous donations of hundreds of individuals who live in the town. They also had the ignominy of paying for the district council's barrister through their council tax.

I am curious that Nick has been privileged to see the proposed plans for the East Quay Development as they are not to be made available for nine months (I wonder why).

The only change in the rather vague outline proposals is that a town amenity is to be replaced with retail outlets.

Is it possible that a portion of the Memorial Ground may be required to find the shortfall of 120 car parking spaces required?

I wonder also if Nick is aware of what price the developers are paying for the land on the East Quay.

I for one am grateful that there is an organisation prepared to ask these questions on my behalf. I hope they continue to inform the public who would otherwise be at the mercy of outside developers who have no regard for the residents, whose community they exploit for nothing other than profit.

Nick Cotton,

Swain Street,