I felt compelled to respond to Mrs Prior’s recent letter regarding the planting of three oak trees in Trowbridge Park, due to inaccurate comments made about the residents of Raleigh Court, the retirement flats which overlook the area and for which I’m the resident estate manager.

It was lovely to read that she had been successful in growing these from acorns. Having now outgrown her garden she had approached Biss Meadow who couldn’t accept them, but the chairman of the Friends of Trowbridge Park then expressed an interest.

The saplings were planted by Mrs Prior’s husband, the chairman and his son in the cleared area mentioned, which I’ve been reliably informed previously contained a border. A resident at Raleigh Court went to query why these were going in. Unfortunately the conversation became a little heated, but the resident assures me that threatening to damage the trees if she couldn’t get them removed was said in anger, and she would never do so.

Being told, ‘they take a long time to grow so you won’t be here by then anyway’ probably didn’t help, as the resident is receiving treatment for a life-threatening illness – and this would have been visibly evident to those involved.

Mrs Prior went on to comment about the residents of the block in general, giving the impression that they were all involved in this, which was completely inaccurate. However, there are concerns about less than appropriate activities in the area, as explained by the resident at the time, and the view allows residents to act as the eyes for the police, council and those who use the park, reporting inappropriate behaviour as needed.

Residents also appreciate the opportunity to watch all that goes on within that area of the park, particularly those less able to get out and enjoy it personally – and blocking this view would be a great shame.

Just as importantly, oaks need much greater space between them and other mature trees than has been provided and are very unlikely to thrive. They are also positioned about 12ft from the outer wall and the slip road which leads to the Post Office delivery depot.

Perhaps a review of their position would be a good idea?

Linda Pimpernell, Raleigh Court, Trowbridge.