WHILST not wishing to re-open the long lasting debate on the rural gateway I do feel there is a major problem in the continuing acceptance of this scheme by Devon County Council.
As a result of your recent article I am moved to ask if anyone knows how local rate payers can seek redress from councillors who are not prepared to see the error of their decisions. I refer to the votes by Cllrs Cann and Madigan and the latter?s subsequent casting vote on the Whitchurch gateway.
This project has received extensive criticism from its inception, yet there seems no means of redress for the general public.
We cannot even vote Cllrs Cann and Madigan off the council since the majority of objectors do not live in their constituencies. This seems to me to be a gross misuse of democracy.
Does anyone have an answer please?
D J Rippon
10 Church Lea
Whitchurch
ONCE again I have to take up my pen, who said it was mightier than the undemocratic councillors, over the rural gateway.
As the one time spokesperson for the original 360 objectors I can see the frustration of those who now want it removed. Be prepared for a long fight.
Cllr Cann at the extinct partnership committee meetings in December 2000 had not a clue where it was. I have spent hours up there and had prepared an eight page document for all the councillors and officials as well as a video of the horrific conditions that can be experienced in this stupid piece of engineering.
I had hoped that the new HATOC committee would have had the nouse to have it removed, but as face-saving seems to be the order of the day what hope have the council tax payers got? None!
The original problem still remains ? the speed of traffic in the Whitchurch Road which daily seems to get faster.
Ian Kilpatrick
209 Whitchurch Road
Tavistock