MAY I add my support to the person who, last week, was amazed at our local failing 'democratic council process'.

Yes, I am the major nimby with regard to the Yennadon Quarry Extension Application, for my property will be within 100 yards if the extension takes place.

But none of this controversy would be taking place if the proper democratic process had been carried out in 1991 when the existing application was approved. None of the local residents, as far as I know, were advised of, let alone consulted, when that application was made and granted by the local council and Dartmoor National Park Authority.

The first that myself and two closest neighbours (all still living in the adjacent properties) knew of the application was when excavations restarted.

It does seem hard to believe that an application to extend a quarry, almost to the back door of someone's property, should be approved — especially within a National Park.

There is no evidence that there would be any loss of local employment. It has not been stated just how many of the work force are local men, but even so, if Yennadon Stone was such a good employer, they could absorb these jobs within the workforce of their other quarries.

Stone production could be then increased to satisfy the extra demand.

It seems once again that local residents are being ignored and sacrificed at the 'altar of big business', be it a Tesco supermarket or an ever expanding quarry.

L M Finn

Dousland