I have read with increasing frustration the letters in support of Havens Hospice proposals to build on our precious green belt land at Belton Way, Leigh.

We must ask ourselves if such support would be given to a less favourable organisation wishing to build there. I suspect not.

A recent suggestion was the site of the old Hadleigh Farm also owned by the Salvation Army.

A building is already there to redevelop, access is available on to the London Road and on to Castle Lane.

It stands alone, has panoramic views over farmland, Hadleigh Castle and the estuary and above all, really would be a peaceful place to end one’s days.

Perhaps this could be considered? What a splendid site it would make.

At the suggested site in Belton Way, apart from the noise of the trains, the station car park the constant train announcements, the recycling centre and the skateboard park, it is, of course, on the flight path into Southend Airport.

We must preserve our green belt land and start redeveloping the many empty and derelict sites that are around and could very well be a more suitable, far less controversial and less expensive site for this hospice.

Judith Dolby
Harley Street
Leigh

...Having just taken part in a demonstration against the proposed hospice on its potential site on green belt, I would like to make the following points: The area is not scrubland, it is a meadow of diverse grass and flowers of which 19 were identified. It is very large, stretching from Castle Drive to Thames Drive, a total of seven acres.

The view of the back of the station yard is quite unpleasant and the sea view is of the power station on the Isle of Grain.

Six trains screeched past, and two planes went overhead while I was on the site.

So much for peace and quiet.

Patricia Chrisp
Victoria Road
Leigh