IN response to 'Developer acts to save three trees' (May 5), this report, claiming Henry Boot Development will ensure the three oak trees will not be harmed, should be taken with a pinch of salt.

In Selby we lost a large part of our memorial to the dead of the Second World War War (a releasing of some 13 acres in the town centre, bought by public subscription). Most people opposed the sale.

There was a public inquiry in 1989 when the Secretary of State found in favour of the planned development but placed on record that the Selby Dam and various trees should be protected. Local politicians gave lip service to these requirements.

The outcome was that Henry Boot destroyed several hundred yards of the south bank of the dam, the habitat of the rare water vole, the Ratty of The Wind In The Willows.

Henry Boot also destroyed a number of supposedly protected trees, including two which had been the subject of specific comments in the inspector's report and the Secretary of State's decision: a mature and beautiful willow and a magnificent copper beech.

C M A Baker,

Church Avenue, Selby.

Updated: 10:26 Thursday, May 12, 2005