I REFER to your recent article about the plan to sell the gas-holder garden at Richmond Falls (D&S Times, June16). Yet again we are having to fight to save one of Richmond’s precious gems from sale into private hands.

This area by the waterfall is indisputably one of Richmond’s prime beauty spots.

The lack of publicity about this potential sale would seem to indicate that the district council fears we might object. And so we do.

The beautiful little walled garden, held by ancient trees, lies in a conservation area and is a haven of peace and tranquility. Those who know this hidden gem love it and visit it often. Such an attractive green space, of particular historic interest, needs to be held in trust for the enjoyment of future generations.

We are told it could become a café. Barrie’s café sits a mere 100 metres away, so no further café is needed here.

Any such construction in this small area would upset the balance between green space and buildings and damage the tranquility of the river setting. It would certainly add further stress to an already busy car-park, increasing the flow of traffic to an unacceptable level.

It is evident folk feel strongly this garden should be reserved for community use, judging by the heart-felt comments on the on-line petition, speedily gathering names against this unfortunate proposal.

We acknowledge the council is seeking every possible way to raise funds in these times of stringent cuts. However, please don’t rob us of this precious breathing space of a type so badly needed in an increasingly hectic world.

With a little more care and attention, this little garden could become better known to residents and visitors, as a tranquil resting place. Once lost to development, we can never gain it back.

Susan Holden, Richmond

THANK you for drawing attention to Richmondshire District Council’s plan to sell the old gas-holder garden at Richmond’s Foss .

The garden is a hidden gem, and if it is sold for development it will be lost for ever.

I have signed the petition at change.org/save-the-gasholder-garden and I urge your readers, whether Richmond residents or occasional visitors who enjoy the Foss, to sign the petition, and go to the garden to see what would be lost.

While your readers are discovering the old gas-holder garden, they can see two other hidden gems of gardens in Richmond, both open for the National Garden Scheme on June 25. Swale Cottage, on Station Road, is open 1pm to 5pm.

Just round the corner, the garden of Millgate House is open 8am to 9pm.

Dave Dalton, Richmond