I would like to address all Bath residents and visitors – and offer you all a new song.

First, I want to ask all of you residents (and visitors) if you are really aware of the implications of the proposed park and ride which B&NES Council aim to build in Bathampton Meadows?

Ask yourselves the questions below. If this too depressing for you in these turbulent times, then perhaps you could join us in our song 'A Lament For Bathampton Meadows'. But the questions first!

Do you want to suffer the light, air and noise pollution of 1,300 cars, plus buses, (and associated overhead lighting), coming and going from the car park from 6am to 8.30pm? (Remember at the moment you can enjoy darkness, clean air and tranquility in that area).

Do you want to see the pleasure derived from the numerous leisure pursuits currently available in this area significantly diminished? Who wants to walk and cycle, jog, picnic, drink, and feed the ducks next to 1,300 cars and large buses?

Do you want to collude in the destruction of a unique historic water meadow, an area of outstanding natural beauty – greenfield land – simply by doing nothing to protest? Remember the land is lent to us by our children – have that on your conscience.

Do you want to see the value of your home reduce (especially in these hard times of economic uncertainty)? You have worked hard for it, and the council will not be compensating you for your losses.

Do you understand that the park and ride is 'the thin end of the wedge' – albeit a large end? What next for this area?

Do you realise that the park and ride will NOT solve the congestion problems in the east of Bath? So all this destruction will be for nothing.

There is plenty of research to support this, and detailed analysis of previous reports and recommendations, plus the opportunity for discussion, and an online petition on our website www.savebathampton meadows.org.uk. Please sign our online petition, and join our campaign to save the Meadows.

Ok, are you ready for a sing-song now? You all know the tune – new words below….

A LAMENT FOR BATHAMPTON MEADOWS…

(To be lamented to the tune of 'Big Yellow Taxi' by Joni Mitchell)

'Big Tarmac Eyesore'

B&NES paved paradise,

And put up a parking lot,

With 1,300 cars, big buses,

And huge floodlights on top.

Don't it always seem to go,

That you don't know what you've got,

Till it's gone.

B&NES paved paradise,

And put up a parking lot.

B&NES took all the trees,

And rolled out roads in their place,

And they charged all the people,

£2.50 a head for a space.

Don't it always seem to go,

That you don't know what you've got,

Till it's gone.

BANES paved paradise,

And put up a parking lot.

Hey, councillor, councillor,

Put away your short-sighted plans,

Give me good transport links,

But leave me the birds and the bees,

Please!

Don't it always seem to go,

That you don't know what you've got,

Till it's gone.

BANES paved paradise,

And put up a parking lot.

Late last night,

I heard 90 car doors slam,

And my mum yawned at me,

Try to get some sleep if you can

Don't it always seem to go,

That you don't know what you've got,

Till it's gone.

B&NES paved paradise,

And put up a parking lot.

CHERYL NIELD DE CRESPO London Road West, Batheaston