I totally disagree with John Cartledge in his summation about Aldenham Country Park, ‘Threat of the axe is very real’, Your Views, April 29.

As Friends and Aldenham Country Park Trust we took legal, financial and business advice and as trustees could not commit money we did not have. We have to take account of charity law. We could not go forward with a bid to manage the park alone without the finances in place or the certainty that we could generate that finance not for one year but for the entire lease period.

Far from waving the white flag we looked at what options were open to us and decided that we would want to be involved in the management of the park with the successful applicant.

There were 12 bids with the county council for shortlisting on May 5. Some of those applicants approached us directly. We are the community involvement requested in the Hertfordshire County Council application pack, having support from many local groups and organisations.

We drew up a memorandum of understanding to reflect our charitable objects which seek to retain the informal recreation aspect of the park, free access, the conservation and preservation of habitats, promotion of education for adults and children and those with learning and/or physical disabilities.

We have funds available to promote these objects and volunteers to help on a range of identified projects.

The trustees of Aldenham Country Park Trust are certain that Hertfordshire County Council will ensure that local involvement will play a big part in going forward to make the park venture sustainable, viable and suit the needs of the populace.

Sorry John, we still have a huge commitment to maintain the park in a similar manner to that which we have been used.

Some changes will be made but we have to trust the judgement of the panel that has been entrusted with getting the best deal for residents for a very public asset.

Pat Strack
Carrington Avenue, Borehamwood