Sir, I went to the unveiling of Carterton’s Master Plan, and yes, the town centre is most definitely in need of upgrading but the expansion plans; well to say I found it a little excessive would be an understatement.

I really feel the need to say to the residents of both Shilton and Brize Norton that, please do not blame the people of Carterton for this plan, as the vast majority of us had no idea this was in the offing, the town council have been able to keep the plan under wraps for a considerable length of time while spending a sum of money on what amounts to the best way to steal your neighbour’s garden?

Surely it would have been more prudent and shown a basic understanding of good manners to have involved all of our neighbours Brize, Shilton, Alvescot, Black Bourton (my apologies if I have missed anyone – geography never been my strong point!), and then acted as an area team, ensuring that, as a group we would have more influence to improve the area as a whole.

As a resident of Carterton I am embarrassed that the town council is turning Carterton into the school playground bully. I want it and I don’t care who it upsets, I am going to have it. I have lived in Carterton for 50 years and have seen a lot of changes, some good, some not so good but I am realistic enough to realise growth is necessary but surely it can be achieved without the loss of respect that comes from people feeling that they have not only been ignored, but not even informed.

To simplify my own feelings on this matter, I would ask you how you would feel if your next-door neighbour declared: ‘my family is larger now, so I am taking half your garden so that I can put an extension up to accommodate them’. It is so wrong.

No-one can please everyone, but with open discussion and respect for others, decisions can be made we all can live with, even if, as is normal, some of them we won’t like.

Sent with respect to all of my neighbours.

Audrey Kemp
Manor Road
Carterton