I READ with mixed feelings of the new development in and around Okehampton in the Times.

As a young man with three children at primary school, I have loved living in Okehampton for the last eight years and my wife since birth. But I am worried and concerned for the future of our land. We help our elderly and young neighbours and have a lovely sense of community around us. I understand that as people move and children grow, then we need more houses/buildings, more jobs, every time I hear of, another village or house being built, then the this issue comes to mind: water.

We have just been in 'drought' and have been teaching the kids about how vital it is and changing the amount used. The water people need to be asked if they can cope, and how are they going to? Or are they thinking more houses, more money? One house equals up to three bathrooms, 62 houses equals 62 to 188 bathrooms, Tesco using more water, buildings more water, houses more water, gardens, car washing, etc.

I know a lot of people use water butts (as we do) but these are not compulsory on new houses.

My question is this: are there anymore plans for reservoirs or are we sucking the land dry until there is no more to drink? What about the future for our children, or are we relying on the good old British weather?

Stephen Balman

Okehampton