"Far too many residents of all ages will be utterly miserable and angry if they are deprived of this green oasis, Primrose Meadow", writes Janet Mayes.

Why should Meadway estate residents have this taken from them and have no green area like the other parts of Maldon? I grew up here and you could never call the estate attractive - somehow the green Meadow enhances the area.

Experts say, "Oh, the Prom is near", but this is a step too far for some with various health reasons and there's the extremely busy Park Drive to cross. Plus, the prom often has other venues on, some just want peace to let their children play or dog walk, and not spend money.

A mum told me her autistic son doesn't like the noise on the Prom but feels totally secure at the meadow. In fact, everyone feels safe here as you can see who is coming along the network of etched pathways from the different approaches.

Some seniors have a daily ritual to cross here and escape their four walls to the bus stop and freedom or visit a local shop. Here they meet others and enjoy conversation. This is vital for wellbeing - who wants to be a recluse? Many friendships have been struck up here.

One lady paused to talk to me and wisely said, 'Even in New York they found it necessary to have Central Park, an open green space for mental and physical wellbeing, which is needed for residents who live in the skyscrapers.'

I would love to see the Meadow remain as a completely natural area for school to walk to for nature study. Already, it has autumnal colours and well-established elderberry trees flourish near the brook.

The Beavers recently helped our group clear litter along the boundary and left painted stones with messages about saving this space. The council kindly took away several bags of rubbish.

Hard work? No, we had a laugh it gave you a feel-good factor, out in the fresh air on a sunny day.

We grew up on the estate here and don't want future generations or the elderly, who have lived here for decades, to be deprived of this natural haven for humans and wildlife.

We have a voice; they don't.

With hedgerows and most fields gone, where do birds go? I appeal to those who have a say, use your conscience before Maldon is absolutely ruined.

The key phrase I have heard whilst canvassing is "Maldon has more than done its share of new builds", and many are annoyed about the extra traffic and lack of infrastructure.

Just think how Heybridge is still suffering with all the building and felling of trees and the sad demise of the wood. Just yesterday, there was another post complaining of night work.

- Janet Mayes

A public consultation about the field, just off Mundon Road, Maldon, is set to begin on Monday (October 17).