RUMOUR has it, what a phrase.

Well, rumour has it that trees in the fields of Headlands School are to be cut down. Rumour had it some years ago that the land would be used for houses. So is this the first phase in the demolition/demise of another of Penarth’s green areas?

In a region which has been intensely developed over the years. Trees and shrubbery cut down and a very visible demise in the bird and butterfly populations.

It is politically correct these days to get on the hobby horse of being an environmentalist. Those of us who are genuinely concerned stand no chance against the money people.

If its green and flat, sometimes not even flat, plonk concrete blocks on it. There’s money in concrete blocks.

There is the argument that more houses are needed. Money in the coffers, but who benefits the most?

Councils do not appear to have enough money to maintain the existing roads. So how do they intend paying for the maintenance of the extra tarmac?

Every piece of green land, nature-friendly, is a valuable asset to the community. Shrubs and trees giving cover for birds and other small creatures. Possibly bats for which there are now preservation policies.

Penarth lies in a basin. Sit in St Augustine’s churchyard, possibly our highest points and look across the bay to Cardiff and the city. There are days when a long, low, dirty brown ‘cloud’ can be seen in the background.

Strangely enough it follows the line at the bottom of the foothills just where the motorway is place.

I have watched that cloud extend towards Cardiff, so it must affect Penarth.

Trees absorb carbon monoxide, they also help soil erosion. We should be planting more not cutting them down as was done on the escarpment below Paget Road.

I understand that it has been mooted that the trees are diseased. Tend to the diseased areas not the whole tree.

Plants, if tenderly treated have a wonderful way of flourishing.

G Wookey

Pembroke Terrace

Penarth