WE recently moved to Tydd St Mary from the south coast, and Mr Bays is among our closest neighbours and was as friendly and welcoming to us as can be. What has struck us about this man is his devotion to the village, and his beloved plot of land. He can b

WE recently moved to Tydd St Mary from the south coast, and Mr Bays is among our closest neighbours and was as friendly and welcoming to us as can be.

What has struck us about this man is his devotion to the village, and his beloved plot of land. He can be seen out on this plot every day, digging around in the garden, waving and chatting to villagers, and putting his very heart into the land.

His own home is opposite the plot, and kept in immaculate condition. He has a topiary tea pot in his front hedge, which is a quirky delight for those who pass through the village.

If Mr Bays wants to replace a crumbly little building with little historical, sentimental or aesthetic value we don't have any personal objections. For the long-term future of Tydd St Mary, building a home on this site would surely have a beneficial impact on the local economy of village and beyond?

It is not as if he wants to build a block of flats, and he is not a greedy developer. David and Jan have our full support, and we sincerely hope South Holland District Council thinks rationally about their proposal, which we feel is in the long-term interests of our village.

PETE and PAULA CLEARY

Common Way

Tydd St Mary