FURTHER to your article Outside buyers ‘are no good for the area’ (Standard, May 1), I would like to make the following clarification.

The comments made by David Broad are directly attributable to him as district councillor and do not reflect the views of Chedworth Parish Council.

We agree that there is a district-wide decline in the availability of houses for young people, which is why the parish council is pushing forward with its plan for affordable housing within the village.

However, we do not agree that second-home owners bring nothing to the community. There are a number of second-home owners within the Chedworth area who contribute significantly to the village, whether it be through giving their time or even financially.

The reason they are attracted to Chedworth is because they see a vibrant, friendly, active community – not just a very attractive environment – and it is a community they wish to be part of, irrespective of whether they are there two, three, four or all seven days in a week. The same goes for holiday cottages, whose tenants bring much-valued custom to our local businesses, such as the farm shop and, in due course we hope, the Seven Tuns.

Modern, rural communities that seek a viable future derive huge benefit from a well-balanced range of residents. Chedworth Parish Council believes in that viable future for Chedworth.

PAUL SIBBALD

Chairman, Chedworth Parish Council