Sir, We have been forced to defend ourselves after reading a statement issued by the University of Cumbria as part of an article (Herald, 21st June) on Newton Rigg campus.

Sir, The proposed extension to Wild Rose Caravan Park, Ormside, is, in our opinion, unnecessary and detrimental to the environment.

Sir, The flag mentioned in “The view from a King Street window” (Herald, 21st June) belongs to the Fawcett family. The reasons for flying it are varied.

Sir, The probable closure of Crosby Ravensworth Church and its possible conversion to “leisure uses” should not pass without comment.

Sir, I am sitting typing this letter, like many others no doubt, somewhat shell-shocked, at the end of week one of probably 110 weeks of the development period for the Southend Road area. The commencement of the development has been a long time coming. Whether we like it or not it is going to happen.

Sir, It was with despair and disbelief that I read that part of our punitive council tax is now going to be used to subsidise the widely unpopular New Squares scheme and, additionally, that without such subsidy the development would not have proceeded.

Sir, I came to see you some time ago to explain my concerns about the financing of Penrith New Squares. So, my prognosis was correct, and I assumed that Lowther Manelli would have to pull the plug on the project.

Sir, We like several others were prevented from driving through Southend Road car park last week. We were refused entry unless we wanted to park, by, presumably, the contractors.

Sir, When I first came to Penrith I was employed in supervising contracts being carried out by Thomas Armstrong and Co. at Pategill housing estate.

Sir, Your opinion column (Herald, 7th June) drew attention to the “astonishing total of around 1,000 houses” to be built in Penrith in the next 10 years and asked how its existing infrastructure is to cope. That, however, is missing the point.