Should we be grateful?

ARE local people meant to feel gratitude at the Government s proposal to cut the second runway inquiry from 12 months to six? Their spokesperson was quoted in The Times newspaper saying they wish to avoid forcing local voices out because of unnecessary

ARE local people meant to feel gratitude at the Government's proposal to cut the second runway inquiry from 12 months to six?

Their spokesperson was quoted in The Times newspaper saying they wish to avoid "forcing local voices out because of unnecessary delays". We are, of course, cynical and not grateful that they want protesters to be in two parallel sessions at the same time to make and hear the arguments.

I have heard first hand national civil servants say that any public expectation of democracy from the planning system is an illusion.

How right they are! Ministers seem to be in the pocket and in awe of big and powerful business, of which BAA is a local example.

Is it any wonder that people are beginning to dress as Suffragettes to take matters into their own hands? Governments trample on the people at their peril!

Cllr Alan Dean, Member of Uttlesford District Council for Stansted South