AS a regular visitor to Lincoln, I could not believe it when I heard that the West Common might get permission for racecourse development.

It is so well used as a bit of historic green space, rich in wildlife and tradition.

How on earth can the people of Lincoln consider giving that up, for a racecourse idea which is probably just a Trojan horse for getting big bucks development on the common?

Even if the racecourse was a commercial success (July 20), bringing thousands of cars for race meets, this would cover the ancient grazing land with acres of buildings and acres of tarmac for parking and roads.

What about the skylark that have always sung here in abundance every spring, or the snipe and stonechat that join them in winter?

Or the owls, bats, insects and flowers?

Or the local people and visitors who enjoy this precious spot?

The common is as much part of what makes Lincoln special as the city's historic core.

My strongest memory of Lincoln is the view of the common, with the ponies grazing between dog walkers in the foreground and the windmill and cathedral on the horizon behind.

Please keep it that way, unspoilt.

JULIAN BRANSCOMBE Greens, Toab, Orkney.