ELVASTON CASTLE - FINAL CONSULTATION

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Much has been written regarding the proposed changes to Elvaston Castle and park. Most people are quite adamant that the proposals should not proceed as they are not in the public interest. The reasons given are mostly concerned with the lack of access to areas which the public have enjoyed over many years. I would like to make a few points regarding one of the proposed changes which I think has received little or no serious thought i.e. the golf course. According to the plans which have been published, the course will occupy an area of land which is completely flat and is totally unsuitable for a challenging game of golf.

If this does go ahead, it will take several years of care and expense before it could be considered worthy of playing. The idea of it ever becoming a championship course is ludicrous. Also, considering that it is bounded on one side by the slip road joining the A6 to Raynesway, the constant roar of traffic would detract very seriously from the enjoyment of the game. There is also the possibility that objections could be raised by the Highways Authority and the police regarding the risk to traffic from stray golf balls on the road.

Regarding the proposed golf driving range which will apparently be situated between the golden gates and Thulston village, driving ranges are traditionally in use during the hours of darkness when golf is not possible, with attendant tloodlights. These lights will obviously cause some distress to the residents of Thulston who will inevitably raise serious objections. As an experienced golfer (now retired) I can confidently say that the whole idea of golf in Elvaston Park is a non-starter, especially in view of the fact that Derby is already surrounded by almost a dozen existing golf courses. Les Dodd

To accommodate the courses, it would mean the destruction of a nature reserve, wildlife haven and wild flower meadow. Also, ancient ploughed fields would be lost. Fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides and weed killers would all have to he used to keep the golf courses up to standard. These chemicals would eventually find their way into the lake, and then flow into the rivers Derwent and Trent, causing devastation to the ecology and wildlife of the waters. These chemicals would inevitably also enter the water table.

With demand on water increasing and unpredictable rainfall, the proposed courses in summer months would need 100,000 of gallons of water. Is this a sensible use of a precious and essential resource, when there is an ever-increasing demand for it because of the building of new housing? The new hotel complex is as inappropriate for the country park as are the golf courses. It will change the appearance and character of the house and setting beyond recognition.

Derbyshire County Council still appears to be determined to abdicate all responsibility for the publicly-owned country park. The overwhelming majority of Derbyshire people have constantly opposed the disposal of Elvaston Castle Country Park since June 2000 and they expect to enjoy unrestricted access to the 325 acres of public open space. The local authorities of this area now have the opportunity to listen to the people who elect them. The authorities should now work towards creating a not-for-profit community trust. Alexander Devlin

Should Elvaston Castle remain in public hands? I say yes but in its entirety. It was bought with public money so it should be the public who decides its future. We do not need another golf course. I have counted eight within a few miles of Derby and not everyone wants to or can afford to play golf. Highgate Sanctuary says that access to the castle will be improved if it is turned into a hotel, restaurant and conference centre. True, perhaps, but it will be limited to the elite few who have the money to spend, not the ordinary folk of Derbyshire.

Even if the historic gardens are restored and left open for public use, how are the developers planning to provide access to this "country club" without spoiling the tranquility of the park? I realise the restoration of the castle is expensive but surely another way could be found to achieve this? If Nottingham can do it with Wollaton Hall, than why can't Derby? After all, Elvaston is a real gem and one we should be very proud of. Sandra Hull

I have followed with interest the long-running saga of Elvaston Castle country park at the hands of the Derbyshire County Council. I am a regular player of the National Lottery and have today written to the Heritage Lottery Fund setting out the reasons I believe that any application for lottery funding from the county council to provide financial backing to facilitate this project should not be considered.

I did add in my letter that if the authority should decided to do the decent thing and scrap these plans in favour of continuing to run this very valuable asset and amenity of behalf of its real owners ie the people of Derbyshire, it would be justified in applying to this fund to be considered for a grant. The council (with the help of English Heritage) could repair and renovate the castle and grounds.

Even at this late stage, the authority could come up with a new scheme which removes the private profit-makers from the equation. Perhaps if a significant number of people similarly disappointed by the actions of the council in respect of Elvaston Castle, expressed their concerns to the fund, it could make a difference. Anyone interested should write to: The Heritage Lottery Fund, 7 Holbein Place, London SW1W 8NR, or go to www.hlf.org.uk. Ruth Smedley