THE stretch of woodland that lies between Hicks Farm Rise and Hatters Lane, High Wycombe, has recently received the attention of a surveying team.

Two men, armed with theodolite, saw and paint, have entered our woods, cut off branches and marked trees.

These woods are home to many varieties of wildlife, and I am apprehensive that some sort of "development" is planned for the site.

I therefore contacted Wycombe District Council's planning department, which referred me to the planning enforcement department, which referred me to the leisure department.

They were all unaware of the activity in our woods. Somewhat bemused I contacted the WDC architect who, thankfully, knew what was going on.

He assured me that there were no plans for clearing the woods, or building on the site.

I am not wholly convinced, as one would assume that the three departments planning, enforcement, and architct would by virtue of their similar interests, liaise with each other and exchange information.

So why didn't the two departments know what the architect's department knew?

I find this a strange state of affairs and remain apprehensive about the future of our little stretch of woodland.

Mr E Suanksier

Hicks Farm Rise

High Wycombe