PAUL Downey’s letter (Needless – last week) eruditely reflects the views of many residents local to Westonbirt Arboretum.

What was a place of arboreal grace and tranquillity has become at best a commercially-driven visitor attraction and at worst a theme park. 

The Christmas light show is probably the least attractive feature, better resembling the promenade at Blackpool or the seedier parts of Las Vegas rather than the Cotswold AONB. 

I cannot think that this is what Robert Holford had in mind.

PETER GIBSON
Willesley