I have a lot sympathy for Tauranga City Council in its effort to sell off land beside Takitimu Drive.

It is common sense for council to sell land which is surplus to requirements, particularly when it was associated with a major road construction.

Many of the petitioners would have a ‘not in my backyard' syndrome to which we are prone.

The argument about green space is not particularly important, more can be bought elsewhere.

We are surrounded by blue space being water and beach which must counter that aspect.

I walk along the path by Takitimu Drive regularly and a few more houses would not make much difference.

To me it is important that when council does undertake such land sales that the immediately adjoining neighbour(s) should be given first opportunity to buy the section [or part thereof] at a fair price, possibly with easy terms. That will enable neighbour(s) to handle the obvious intrusion into their patch in a multitude of ways.

B Capamagian, Tauranga