I read that Harrow Borough Council is to proceed with its planned act of vandalism against Pinner Park Farm.

This is in spite of a so-called consultation process involving 696 residents whom, to the best of my knowledge were, in the main, anxious and uneasy about the council’s intention for this historical, beautiful and important site in the middle of Harrow.

It seems that our opinions are to be ignored completely by a dictatorial council.

Pinner Park has been in existence since the 13th Century and has much history and other features that must be protected, notwithstanding the green belt aspect.

Building luxury houses and incorporating a play park on the area is not going to help that aim.

Is the council fully aware of the amount of the species of wildlife that visit this area each year?

Digging up and developing is not going to encourage this.

Incorporating a network of paths will ruin the natural and rural feel of the area. The O’Hara brothers get complaints for the parking of their vehicles on the site, incidentally allowed by the council ever since they have held the tenancy, but they also contribute to the rural charm of the area by carrying on the history of breeding cattle for which a farm manager is employed.

They also maintain the farm. I do not believe it is their fault if the council gave them a tenancy without incorporating sufficient terms for full maintenance of all the buildings.

Cattle have been on the land since Freisian cows were bred there following the Second World War to supply milk to the local area.

Of course, there has always been some sort of farming in this area for centuries. There is a similar farm in Aldenham, which also breeds rare cattle and has child-attracting features incorporated around the area which is a success.

This has not necessitated housing development and has retained the rural aspect of the area.

This is a very important site for the future of ‘green Harrow’ and we will be wrong to allow a short-sighted and non-caring council to ruin it.

The council has neglected this site badly and because of this, we are being told that we must sacrifice this jewel in the middle of Harrow.

I question how long the money the council intends to raise from this plan will last to upkeep the area properly without selling more land off.

Don’t forget, this is the same council that wanted to close down Harrow Arts Centre and also to close historic Headstone Manor Museum, etc.

Don’t allow Councillor Keith Ferry to persuade us that he wishes to protect the beautiful views in Pinner Park whilst at the same time intending to ruin them.

If this is finally allowed, it will be the thin end of the wedge for more development on this important area. I wish I could see our elected councillors showing more interest in this serious matter.

F D Billson

Anselm Road, Hatch End (Friend of Pinner Park Farm)