Knowle sale threat - time for inquiry

SIR - Is it democratic that a district council can be the judge and jury of its own case? I refer to the proposed sale of Knowle and its public parks. Is this not a clear case for a public enquiry?

There is real danger that the views of the people of Sidmouth will be effectively unheard. The process is already under way with the appointment of a project manager and even local councillors have had to wait for leaks to the press to discover what is going on.

The loss of arguably the finest public park in Sidmouth is something that should concern all local people as well as visitors. It is a priceless and irreplaceable asset.

And it will be too late to wait for a planning application in six months’ time before there is any so-called public consultation.

This highly dubious and unnecessary expensive operation needs to be stopped in its tracks now.

Michael Temple

Knowle Drive, Sidmouth