I am happy to respond to Fran Metcalfe and explain the stance of the Elstree and Borehamwood Green Belt Society over the new unit for disabled children being built in Aldenham Country Park (‘Puzzled by new development’, Your Views, May 20.) We support it. I was at the meeting in Allum Hall, and heard the Herts County Council representative express the council’s wish to avoid the expense of running the park.

Later, representatives of the Disabled Children’s Group spoke of its plans. I stood up and said we were not against the development and, in principle, would never oppose educational buildings, especially for disabled children, except in exceptional circumstances.

The reason there is no mention of this in our newsletter is that we were not opposed.

We regret that not enough money has been raised for the Friends of Aldenham Country Park to run it, despite the heroic efforts of councillors Pat Strack, Sandra Parnell and Clive Butchins.

Now we have to face reality and hope that input from the Friends and cooperation with the county council and the new developer (as yet unselected) will preserve the park as a place for family and community enjoyment.

Ann Goddard
acting chairman, Elstree and Borehamwood Green Belt Society