I ENJOY living in Thornbury, but I do sometimes wonder whether there is something in the water that induces pessimism and opposition to any new development.

We live in a house in Thornbury that was one of a large number built in the 1960s and 1970s, as do a large number of Thornbury residents. The transformation of the town then would have been far in excess of what is planned now.

I wonder if our predecessors spoke out against this "swamping" of the area as does Chris Tippetts (Letters, August 13). Or perhaps they saw it as much needed housing and a boost to the economy of the town delivering opportunities for all.

Who cares whether new jobs are in evil "corporate shopping empires" or not? They still pay rates (providing funds for infrastructure, as do the new people housed), employ people and use local businesses. And there is a huge amount of open countryside in the vicinity - we don't need to defend every square foot when more houses are desperately needed.

Let's welcome new residents and what they bring to our town.

Noel Wheatley

St Davids Road

Thornbury