SOME time ago I wrote about the decline of neighbourhood spirit on the Aldersbrook Estate, a result of the proliferation of dropped kerbs and the demolition of small front gardens in order to create parking spaces.

Aldersbrook has recently been granted conservation status, a testament to the historical virtues of this Edwardian estate.

Unfortunately, the painted white lines continue to appear, marking out where the next wall will be knocked down, the kerb dropped and another small garden replaced by gravel, concrete or tarmac, with a car that can barely be accommodated.

When I spoke to Redbridge Council about this, it appeared that there were no restrictions on this demolition although it radically changes the original Edwardian design.

Conservation only needs to be considered if it involves the removal of trees of a certain trunk diameter and a particular height.

The Oxford Dictionary defines conservation as "protection against undesirable changes".

Surely it is desirable to protect what was described in the council's own survey on the Aldersbrook Estate as "an Edwardian gem", yet the current conservation laws seem to be unable to do just that.

I would urge the council, and particularly local councillors, to act before there is a wholesale change to the character of "the gem".

SARA TURLE,

Herongate Road,

Wanstead.

May 29, 2003 13:00