GET ready for the bulldozers, take your album pictures of Weir Quay because soon it might be changed forever.

Last Tuesday week Bere Ferrers Parish Council voted in favour of supporting the proposed water sports development at Weir Quay.

The parish is divided into the Yes and the No camps. Most of the residents support the clubs' need and would like to see them with facilities but not at any cost and here is where the two camps are separated hugely. The problem between them is quite simple.

As an example; Life is all about a list of priorities and values, we all have our own personal lists. 

For the No camp, retaining our natural beauty sits securely at the top of the list and is sacrosanct, just like a cross on top of a church.

For the Yes camp their pleasure is number one, natural beauty is something that's nice whilst you are doing your activity. 

If West Devon also approves the application the floodgates are open for the developers, and the clubs, who have limited resources, will eventually be pushed into a tight corner as they have to move over for other newly formed 'community' inspired groups who also justify their own development. Only then will the Yes camp learn the lesson of real personal values.

The designating agencies so far have done virtually nothing, fought very weakly or have been silent and only one more meeting can offer a chance for them to save Weir Quay. What use are they? Maybe we can save some taxpayers' money and forget them.

The Yes camp will say 'we all had the same opportunity' but the problem is Weir Quay cannot speak for itself, we have formed groups to protect it and we have the majority of residents behind us and we will keep trying. This time we haven't won, so what does that say for our democratic system? How can a majority not win?

It was a very sad day for the Bere Action Group and the other parish protection groups, who without doubt, certainly speak for the majority.

We tried to save Weir Quay but if the council takes no notice of the majority what options are we left with?

John Hillson for the Bere Action Group

l The decision on whether to grant planning permission will be taken by?West?Devon Borough Council's planning committee at a future date — Editor