It was stated recently that it is not just obesity which is causing problems in children.

It seems muscle wastage is prevalent in too many children as they do not get out into the playing fields to play the kind of games that would enhance their muscle building.

Apparently Dr Robert Colby, a former Vange GP, has said Vange is recognised as an area of health deprivation.

If we were to say this to the present Conservative administration on Basildon Council, I could almost bet they would say they have left us some land at the bottom of Kent View Road.

This land is prone to flooding in the autumn and winter, and has been known to have problems with sewage overflow.

This ends up at the bottom field, because Kent View field slopes that way, so of course that part cannot be built on.

So in the kindness of their hearts, the councillors are leaving this to our children.

J D Backham
Paslowes
Vange

...The UK’s parks, lakes, forests and wildlife are worth billions of pounds to the economy, says the National Ecosystem Assessment.

The health benefits of merely living close to a green space are worth up to £300 per person, per year.

So thank you, councillor Tony Ball, for taking our parks and play areas around Basildon away from us.

Does he think a sports stadium is worth billions of pounds for our health? He should get in touch with the National Ecosystem Assessment and so should the residents who are losing their playing fields and green belt land.

The National Ecosystem Assessment was commissioned by ministers to reshape planning policies.

I have heard Nottingham Council’s pension scheme has bought farmland between Pitsea and Bowers Gifford, with hopes of getting permission, at a later date, to build houses.

Can anyone tell me if that’s true, or is it just a rumour?

K Cowell
Crown Close
Basildon