As a Stanmer Village resident I am delighted to see your article (The Argus, February 26) raising the profile of Stanmer Park and the neglect it has suffered at the hands of councils over many years and by successive administrations of every colour.

The current masterplan is still at the consultative stage and I hope interested individuals and groups will look at these proposals and air their views.

Heritage Lottery Grant funding is being sought to enable the renovation of the Long Barn as associated redundant farm buildings. It is not, however, possible to apply for this funding solely for this and to stand any chance of acceptance it must be put into a context where it will improve access and general amenities. Brighton and Hove City Council appointed a firm of land use consultants who have worked on similar projects such as Richmond Park. However they seem to have largely missed the point of Stanmer Park and the Village and how they are currently used by the public.

For example, Adam Trimingham’s article mentions the reintroduction of free-roaming sheep into the park but what he may not realise is that this is intended for the parkland from the Lewes Road entrance as far as Stanmer House. This would render that part of the park unusable for picnicking families and dog walkers, who are the main users of the park.

There are also plans to create new roads through the area of Stanmer Organics and widen Lodge Lane in order that Cityparks and nursery traffic will enter and exit via the Lodges car park and not in front of Stanmer House.

It would be wonderful to see the best possible use, access and information available about what is left of this unique, beautiful and historic setting, but please let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water.

In addition, Mr Trimingham states that there are no animals left to view in Stanmer. Maybe he hasn’t been here for a while; there are currently cows, calves and a rare-breed bull in the dairy pen next to the cafe.

There are also nearly 40 rescue horses, ponies and foals in two separate stable yards, with pony rides and hopefully cart and carriage rides available in the summer.

Very sadly there have been incidents of violence towards these wonderful animals recently. Yes, we would love to see more animals in the park for the public to see and touch and also to keep the context of the park as a genuinely rural setting but we must keep these animals safe.

Rosie Harrison, Stanmer Village, Brighton