THERE are many reasons for objecting to the inordinate amount of development in and around Kirklevington, near Yarm, as well as the impossible traffic (D&S Times, Dec 2).

Since the village got its first parish council 53 years ago, Kirklevington has, by much diligence, managed to keep its unique character, fighting many attempts to encroach on the strategic green wedge or gap which the planners have always agreed should separate Kirklevington from Yarm. This gap is now more seriously threatened than ever before by the inexorable urban creep being allowed by Stockton planning committee.

In fact, it is going to be obliterated and we shall be engulfed.

However, everyone seems to have lost sight of the fact that this green area is part of something arguably much bigger, namely the Strategic Wildlife Corridor. This is supposed to connect the River Leven with the Tees and also the North Yorks Moors with the Pennines.

Even the much maligned Cleveland County undertook to preserve and enhance the wildlife corridor. If species, especially larger animals, cannot move around they become more inbred and numbers diminish.

Is there nobody, or nobody, that looks out for these matters and is able to lean on these Stockton planners? There is a Natural Resources Wales but who looks after England? Perhaps it’s Defra? Oh, dear...

SM Crawshaw, Kirklevington