Three tiers are so confusing

You are quite right to draw attention to this, after the show of strength voiced by public opinion at last week’s public meeting, called to discuss the future of the Windmill and swimming and sports centre.

The point which emerges from your article is the time and place for public argument on matters of development. In most cases, disagreement occurs when there is conflict of interest between the three tiers of local government. Processing of business by the elected representatives of county, district and town/parish councils subjects residents to a mind-bending conflict of arguments.

The elected representatives are a mixed bag, with some elected to two authorities and others to all three, Clarity of support over such controversial issues becomes cloudy, and personal election pledges are difficult to follow.

At last week’s meeting, Arun cabinet member councillor Paul Dendle argued the case for presenting the issues to the public after seeking outside consultants’ reports, and before public opinion was expressed. It was obvious from those present that they thought the voice of the public should be canvassed beforehand.

Your thoughts on democracy should take account of those factors, but I point out that the Town Show issue lay outside your argument, as it was a matter totally within the town council’s remit. Otherwise, you are quite right, each of the other projects/applications you referred to in your local politics column appears to have been handled so that public objection becomes a matter of irrelevance.

I totally agree with your premise that public consultation should take place before influences from outside the area take over, and I leave you with the thought that the Stage by the Sea (a controversial competitor to the Windmill) will shortly be the subject of a planning application after an outlay already of some £80,000..

Derek Hulmes

Kingfisher Drive,

Wick