TWO years ago my criticism of what I considered an environmental outrage was rejected as premature.

It's surprising what can be achieved when suburban minds, a "field botanist" and the might of the County Countryside Service is brought to bear on a project. The result a shallow, slime fringed puddle overtopped by a stump of raw concrete and some steelwork standing on dried out mud. This year it looks even worse.

It was a final savage touch of irony that this project should have received a Community Pride award. I accept absolutely the Lynch Gate, which was a fine piece of work worthy of an award.

There were fine words in the Millennium Group's response to my original letter of an "ongoing programme" that would "in a few years" produce a "matured and natural setting". There's precious little sign of this so far. Is there in fact still a group or anyone left to assume responsibility for some remedial work or are we stuck with this for the "several millenniums" it was originally said to be intended for. Now there's hubris for you.

Nature Lover,

Name and address supplied.