Money-grabbing companies have no interest in church’s history

THE proposed development of Saint Christopher’s site in Westbury Park has rightly caused concern and alarm to the local community.

It is completely out of character with the surrounding area. It will cause great disruption to this area of the Downs. It will be a traffic hazard and an eyesore in a beautiful area.

At present the White Tree roundabout is an impasse at busy times of day. People fight for position. The small businesses in North View already struggle to make a living. They at least fit into the landscape.

The thought of providing 65 parking spaces and 52 cycle spaces is a nightmare. The whole idea is incongruous. For the residents it will be a living nightmare and ruin the heritage of the area which can never be restored.

My handicapped daughter Jane attended St Christopher’s when she was aged four. There were three people in charge. Miss Catherine Grace who owned the establishment and two sisters. It was run as a Steiner establishment. My husband, Dr Christopher Thomas, became chairman of The Friends of St Christopher’s and I was the publicity officer.

We had a very enthusiastic committee. We worked hard and raised a great deal of money to help the Independent School get established. Each summer we held a Black Tie Ball at Ashton Court with a large expensive tombola and invited a TV celebrity to present the prizes. The Lord Mayor attended. In recognition of her work Miss Grace was awarded the OBE.

Miss Grace would be heartbroken to hear what is being proposed for the site which such a lot of love and hard work went into to establish it as a heritage site and known all over the city.

The mayor and council must not let this monstrosity be built!

Anita Bennet should be wholeheartedly supported and listened to when wanting to win back the site as a cost-saving local asset and creating a community friendly St Christopher’s to save lives and families which Miss Grace would applaud and be delighted for it to continue as she would wish.

It must not be ruined by moneygrabbing companies who have no interest in preserving heritage. They have no interest in the history of St Christopher’s.

Our weak mayor and rubbish council override every resident request and have no interest in preservation of heritage or green spaces.

I hope Anita Bennett can win and get all the support she needs. Good luck!

Mary Thomas

Bristol