I was appalled to learn the major part of the beautiful green tree-filled space between Vale St and Ngatai Rd at Bureta is to be sold for housing development.

I was always under the impression it was council-owned land and would be preserved as open and green in perpetuity, especially as it seemed to be the council which tended to the area, planted flowers etc.

Now I learn not only is this privately-owned land but it's been sold to Countdown, and it is greedy Countdown which is going proceed with its development. This all seems to have been kept pretty quiet and has come as a huge shock to many of us.

This lovely area is one of so few open areas left around our city.

What on earth is the council thinking of in allowing it to be destroyed? Don't let this happen.

Maureen Guy, Otumoetai.