SIR – I am annoyed that Mr Hill (Herts Advertiser, August 13) hasn t got anything better to do than complain about a piece of common land that doesn t belong to him but everyone (Harpenden resident or not). I feel very strongly about this and I speak fo

SIR - I am annoyed that Mr Hill (Herts Advertiser, August 13) hasn't got anything better to do than "complain" about a piece of common land that doesn't belong to him but everyone (Harpenden resident or not). I feel very strongly about this and I speak for thousands of others. The few times a year these "special events" are laid on hardly make a difference to the Common because for roughly about 300+ days a year, the Common sits there empty and almost barren.

These events are only a few days a year and bring fun and enjoyment to thousands of people, especially children. It is so nice to see people smiling in this day and age.

I am speaking as a lifelong Harpenden resident as well as my wife and children and as grandparents, all of us bred and born in Harpenden, we all look forward to these "special events". My eight grandchildren, the fairs and circuses, and myself, Classics on the Common!

Like thousands of others, we classic car buffs enjoy that one night a year to admire these beautiful, well-built, well-preserved cars from a bygone age (built better and more solid than today's plastic offerings which won't last as long.).

It is part of our heritage, like the Common, so don't try and stop us using it for what it was meant for. I hope these cars outlast all of us so our grandchildren and great grandchildren can enjoy them as well.

But we must remember two things:

1. These vehicles all have MOTs on them to be able to be on the highway so they must have passed an emissions test (part of the MOT).

2. The extra trade for local businesses on these special events boosts their income which means they stay in business so people can remain employed.

But perhaps Mr Hill would like to see these businesses close and the employment level escalate. This world is depressing enough without some do-gooder trying to stop these few special events taking place because he's worried about the grass (which grows back naturally anyway).

If we had some steam rallies on the Common he would have cause to complain then.

PJ LUNN

Dane Close

Harpenden