IN response to Ian Atkinson's letter, (October 1) I was privileged to see the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) Housing Trust at work at the first meeting of the phase one working group in Osbaldwick village hall on October 6.

There would probably have been more people to observe had the meeting been advertised.

We on the parish council were only advised of the meeting three days before the event and were given no agenda nor details about who was whom on the working group.

We understand the members were invited to JRF, so six of the parish council went along as observers.

After four years of discussions on the consultation panel a bombshell was dropped when we were told that all the construction traffic to build not only the 65 houses of the Osbaldwick quarter, but also to build all of the 125 houses of the Temple Avenue section, would also come though Osbaldwick.

Nothing has been said about all the spoil that will have to be removed to build the storage ponds, the contaminated land and the removing of the pylons before building work begins. The parish council asked the chair of the meeting to read out a letter to say that as we had been sidelined in this working group we do not recognise this body until we know more about their purpose.

Because the letter was not read out, I had no alternative but to hand a copy around the members of the audience.

Now the question is who is misleading whom? This is the second time it has been shown that JRF and Ian Atkinson are misleading the people of Osbaldwick.

Coun W M Kettlestring,

Osbaldwick Parish Council,

Yew Tree Mews,

Osbaldwick, York.

...IAN Atkinson says that Coun Kettlestring and myself are being misleading regarding the proposed development. Well, let's face it, he would say that wouldn't he?

However, the facts remain the same. He states that the new properties will be built high enough to prevent them flooding.

Not our problem. Our problem is with the properties that now surround the site. If JRF are so certain their actions will not cause any problems for these homes, will they now say that they will indemnify them if such an event occurs?

Regarding property values, it is gratifying to know that there will be "jam tomorrow".

In the interim period of up to ten years before "Utopia" is completed will JRF make up the shortfall for anyone who is obliged to move?

Is it a fact that Osbaldwick village and Murton Way will have to suffer the installation of the new sewage system and the chaos this will create?

Following the revelations made regarding construction traffic, at the inaugural meeting of the Osbaldwick working group, who, Mr Atkinson, has been misleading whom?

W A Hall,

The Village,

Osbaldwick, York.

Updated: 10:14 Wednesday, October 29, 2003