I attended a public meeting about the proposed housing off Titnore Lane, West Durrington, Worthing on April 19. Along with a lot of other people, I was unable to attract the attention of the chair to make the following comments.

Incidentally, the Woodland Trust, despite having made a number of written submissions in respect of this proposal, was not notified of the meeting, only learning of it through a local supporter.

The trust's concern is that the development relies on Titnore Lane for access and that this road is bordered for much of its length by ancient woodland, which would be significantly affected.

Ancient woodland is an important habitat that has existed continuously for at least 400 years, allowing complex and fragile ecosystems to develop to provide our richest wildlife habitat.

It is hard to believe that such an important part of our ecological and cultural heritage, and one that now covers only two per cent of our country, is under threat. But it is.

Worthing Borough Council stated "only 200 trees" contiguous to the road would be lost to the road improvements. However, we believe the current proposals are the thin end of the wedge as the increased traffic will demand road is widened.

Furthermore, the council cannot be aware of the recent English Nature report identifying the damage caused to woodland by contaminants from road traffic.

The research identifies that the effect on the habitat can extend up to 100 metres from a road. It is also hoped that the woodland alongside part of the western edge of the road will gain national park status soon - which is another reason for ensuring the habitat is not degraded.

The trust has some sympathies with the council in respect of government housing targets that have to be met so it does not express an opinion about the release of this land for housing development.

But despite the developer's contributions to the community mentioned at the meeting, the potential profits from this development are vast.

The trust, therefore, urges that the road access should be reconsidered.

The trust has submitted constructive comments to the council in

this respect and, as a national authority on ancient woodland, has invited involvement - sadly, without response.

-Graham Bradley, Public Affairs Department, Woodlands Trust