I read with interest the article Campaigners fighting a Waitrose Supermarket (Daily Echo, November 11) and understand the criterion for a village or town green is “an area where people in the community have enjoyed legitimate sport or pastimes as of right for the last 20 years”.

Our house is situated opposite the old cricket ground and I have noted that during the summer season only the elite team have been permitted to use the ground during the 25 years I have lived here.

With gates padlocked both Summer and Winter it has always been made obvious that ordinary people were not welcome.

No child could enjoy playing football, nor any adult enjoy a walk or exercise on what could have been a perfect running circuit during the long winter months when darkness makes it so dangerous for roadside running.

Waitrose are giving the town two acres of land as leisure ground for the public to use and will be planting numerous trees and shrubs to attract birds and other wildlife. They will be supplying a much needed food store as well as offering us a small park which they will look after and keep free of litter.

Who would be expected to look after the town green if Mr Atlay succeeds with his project?

Please don’t tell me it would be yet more volunteers. Health and safety and high insurance would soon put paid to that.

It is good to remember the ‘good old days’ but it is now time to look to the future or our lovely town of Wimborne Minster will quickly turn to a ghost town.

Christine Oliver, Park Lane, Wimborne Minster