interests. I was pleased the development was stopped to at least teach some councillors not to act against ratepayers' interests without consultation. I'll be saddened by the loss of mature trees in the area. I hope the council acts on their promise to plant significantly

more trees.'' Slav Tchepak

''In regards to our park and the trees, that we are losing all because of yet another footy field, I think is totally disgraceful. This park is the only big one in Glenwood. All others are taken up with playing fields. How many do we need? There are so many families with young children in the area and nobody has backyards big enough for

kicking a ball or to have a game of cricket. So where will the kids go? On the streets? What's proposed to be the

playing field is just about the only level part there is. And for the trees...whether they are 20 years or 100 years old, any tree should be preserved if at all possible - and it is, which is the sad part about it. Putting new trees in, sure, but the sticks Council usually plant, 3/4 of them die because they do not get any water, and what survives, we have to wait 20 to 25 years to grow. So I wish the Councillors of Blacktown Council would come to their senses, and leave our park as is, because that is what we want.'' Conny Larsen

''Till now we were under the impression that trees are most important in our life. Apart from helping improve the

mental and physical health of the residents it's a natural habit for wildlife. The trees in question are very old and are part of the birds' habitat.''

Rakesh Sahgal

``I'm outraged with the current situation with the development of a football ground [which will] dismantle 72 trees to achieve this end. I enjoyed very much the serenity of the Glenwood Reserve and the balance between nature and human. We chose this area