I WOULD like to draw attention to the meeting of the Development Control Committee on March 14 and register my disquiet at the way the hearing was conducted. The residents of Woodlands Drive are to be congratulated on their handling of the situation. They presented a thoroughly researched campaign in a courteous and dignified way. . . qualities not afforded to them by the chairman of the committee.

There are over 1,400 voters in Thelwall ward and of those, 1,100 plus signed the petition. Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council and the three borough councillors supported the residents totally which I think should at least ensure that the views of people greatly affected by the development should be heard fully. The speakers on the night and Clr Mawer who was supporting the residents, were continually interrupted by the chairman who very clearly was bored with the whole affair. I would suggest that people are afforded time and consideration on issues that affect their quality of life. What ever happened to democracy?

CLR E LAFFERTY

Thelwall