SIR, — Having read (Herts Advertiser, April 24) the dismissive response Mr John Stocker received following his Freedom of Information request to St Albans District Council regarding the clearly secretive, behind-closed-doors Nomansland grazing project, I

SIR, - Having read (Herts Advertiser, April 24) the dismissive response Mr John Stocker received following his Freedom of Information request to St Albans District Council regarding the clearly secretive, behind-closed-doors Nomansland grazing project, I realise there is no democracy when it comes to such issues.

Clearly the council talks in favour of a load of bullocks - for these "cattle" will not be of the milking kind - roaming around a popular common currently enjoyed by many from all over Herts. Obviously it favours restricting people's freedom to explore this beautiful green space and enclosing large segments with ugly fencing while permitting the slaying of mature trees to make way for cattle-fodder. Actions that would even make the increasingly-environmentally-friendly McDonald's blush.

Personally, I believe this initiative is yet another unsustainable and passing fad, a trendy trend. And one that will be wiped out at the first signs of foot-and-mouth or blue-tongue if it's ever realised.

Or one that will be still-born due to a lack of real commitment, uncertain and unreliable funding arrangements, the ever-rising costs of insurance and an ongoing, niggling, anxious concern about public liability should Bully and his mates ever make a run for it causing havoc and striking fear into the hearts of walkers, riders, kite-flyers, drivers or little Sammy and his friends simply trying to enjoy a game of after-school cricket.

JOHN THOMPSON,

Handside Lane, Welwyn Garden City.