IN reply to the article in the Ludlow Advertiser on September 18 under the heading 'Villagers to fight against new house plan in the hamlet of Hordon'.

I have lived in the area for the last 66 years and we have always made welcome newcomers to the area.

Many of them will tell you, however, when somebody takes over as spokeswoman for 23 residents, of which many have only lived in the hamlet for a short time, in some case weeks, some months, or in one or two cases a few years, how they can be judge to a new property that would not be in keeping with the area.

When there isn't two properties the same I think it is deplorable when a local young married couple, of which the young lady was born and brought up in the area, attended local school, working locally and has been involved in many local activities, and would be a valued member of the local community, why should they not have permission to build their own home as there is not much hope of buying one in this area when people come from other areas of the country and pay extorsionate prices.

We locals look in total amazement at what is going on around us local pubs being closed to make way for housing developments; houses being built with garages which become living accommodation; other old cottages being converted and out of style of the area; and other houses being built which are totally out of character.

Even Prince Charles is in total agreement with young couples developing their own homes. So, to you people who have objected take note, here we have a young couple who are trying to make their own way in life, Good Luck.

Mrs J J Yapp,

Angel Bank.