SIR - Dursley Town Hall was packed for the first 'Vision' meeting in 2001, hosted by Anthony Hall, of Vision Maitrix, attended by the MP and the prospective MP, the new chief executive for Stroud District Council, David Hagg, town councillors, shop owners and members of the general public - all full of enthusiasm for the future of Dursley after the shock and horror of the loss or down-grading of our industrial sites.

Other meetings followed, dividing into groups - Partnership meetings, Steering Group meetings and what has been the outcome? Approaching 900 new houses on our three industrial sites while people already commute to work as far as Cardiff and beyond. What strain would this put on our schools, surgeries, hospitals and roads?

The result has been the most appalling apathy - the usual phrase - "What is the use. They will do what they like". Because of the apathy in the community, caused in part by an amount of brainwashing, changes are taking place which will leave this once proud town, of world-wide renown, beyond hope.

The recent meeting in the town hall showing plans for the new library, attended by about 30 people, showed many more against than in favour of the design and yet it is going out for planning permission. Unless members of the public take the trouble to return a short letter of rejection, giving reasons to Stroud District Council, it will be passed. The application comes under 'Public Notices' towards the back of the Gazette and is headed Stroud District Council. The Weavers House plans went through under delegated powers because less than five members of the public bothered to object! What a difference it made to the planning meeting where there was a huge turnout against planning permission for houses at Kingshill Park - that was a demonstration of 'people power'!

The second event to give a false impression comes from the developers of the Lister site claiming "the site gets thumbs-up" when only 450 people viewed the plans over 15 hours - about three per cent of the population of Cam and Dursley apart from surrounding parishes.

Proposed development of houses in Dursley breaks all the rules for planning for the Structure Plan, right up to the third alteration which has just completed the Pre-Examination in Public changes, apart from the fact that the planning inspector has still to pass judgement on all these sites.

Policy SD4 Market Towns states: Residential development should be limited in such towns near the principal urban areas where it would encourage commuting, rather than meet local needs.

Everyone is aware of the numbers commuting out of the area, resulting in loss of income and family time. In 2002 permission was granted for 152 new houses which includes the Mawdsley site.

With the cancellation of a 'Steering Group' meeting pencilled in for September 27 when the combined Tourist and Business sections hoped to report on their progress, I have been asked by the chairman of the regional tourist board (Mr Cairns Boston) to inform the community, that with their interest, support and enthusiasm, a Lister Heritage Leisure Park is more than a possibility. It would not only be good for Dursley and Cam but for the whole of Gloucestershire and its economy. He describes the site as a "sleeping giant". Where else in the UK is such a site available? Along with the Ski and Snowboard Centre in Matson we could be a training centre for the Olympics!

How do we raise hopes? It is by taking the past into the future. What could be more prophetic than headlines in the Business section of the Gazette, October 3? "Lister leads in shearing game. Established manufacturer goes from strength to strength. Sells to a world-wide market".

What other enterprise could have instant worldwide publicity?

Who would benefit? The young, the old and the in-between, with a crche for the very young. The economy would benefit - an ice rink with three curling lanes with spectator viewing, indoor bowling, BMX and skateboarding, a hostel where walkers on the Cotswold Way could drop in and The Towers preserved as a hotel with bedrooms built on at the back. A conference room is already available at The Towers.

How do we demonstrate what we want? By joining in a rally to commemorate the past, led by a Lister steam engine, floats with diesel engines, sheep shears, Pedersen bicycles, auto-trucks followed by school children and the public at large all raising money for the Lister Heritage Trust to lead us into the future with a Lister Heritage Leisure Park.

Gone with apathy! We are on the move, watch this space!

Dreena Menelaws, Byron Avenue, Whiteway, Dursley