THE pathway of local authorities is paved with good intentions, some of the time anyway.

I believe back in around 1972 a promise was given to the local electorate that the Regal Buildings would never cost more than a tuppenny rate, and that was in old money!

I would remind Mr John Ferris times do change, along with our elected representatives who, however willing to make promises, are not clairvoyant.

I understand the increased costs projected for the Burgage Children's Playground is due to recent legislation to maintain the health and safety of the users. A situation never envisaged in 1990, nor yet in 2000.

It is not in my nature to defend the actions of town councillors who, in recent years have taxed us near to death. The Burgage has been a phenomenal charge upon the council taxpayer so I congratulate them on their reserve this time around.

I thought it was an excellent suggestion last week that a Trust should be formed (perhaps in the same way as the swimming pool was once so protected).

This is an opportunity for Tenbury Round Table to take a lead to conserve the playground and come on, you young mums and dads, from both sides of the bridge, and put you backs into it and work for what you want for your children.

I do wonder just how many of Anneka Rice's actual or style projects have subsequently hit the buffers and have needed bailing out. Perhaps the BBC would care to retrace its steps to entertain us in 2004.

Mrs M Harris,

Cralves Mead,

Tenbury Wells.