WEEKLY, I read evidence in your pages that we are very community-minded, charitable, caring and proud of our heritage.

We Cotswoldians do love community values and sharing.

We do want housing for all generations and pay packets, so we need social housing, affordable housing – the lot.

At the moment, we look to be having thrust upon us housing for the benefit of moneyed speculators thanks to Eric Pickles’ dubious legislation that is going to destroy community development and just make a “bob or two”.

CDC looks to be happy with this situation – they don’t seem to be rebelling in our defence.

At the same time, they seemed a few weeks ago to have rejected all entreaty for our great communities to adopt a few refugee families in dire circumstances.

No-one ever wants to have to take refuge elsewhere,.

But while we wait endlessly for this government and others internationally to stop stoking the fire in the Middle East, we are also shown to be lacking local leadership in what matters – humanity and decency.

Look at the leadership work Stroud Council and community groups are doing there on housing, caring, charity and decency locally and abroad and helping refugees and local folk – and be inspired.

Seize the day, fellow Cots-woldians!

LINDA WOOLLEY

Tetbury