WITH reference to the proposed development at Binhamy Farm, between Stratton and Bude, how encouraging to see the letter (February 16) from Chris Burke, of Harpenden, Hertfordshire, expressing shock and horror at the proposal to "dump" a mini town on a greenfield site which is good quality agricultural land.

The people of Statton and Bude know it is the wrong place for it, and Mr Burke's letter shows that even people who regularly holiday in this area and have grown to love the two towns feel it is totally out of place.

I am so angry that we are approaching a public inquiry (March 16-19) into this development, because when two of Cornwall's planning committees decided to refuse Catesby Property Group's application that should have been the end of it. But Catesby have invested a great deal in the scheme, so have gone to appeal, which will cost Cornwall Council a lot of money, and the people of Cornwall will pay for it.

I bitterly object to development companies coming into Cornwall and trying to tell people what is best for them; we know far better than they do, and we do not want our beautiful county covered in concrete and tarmac. Unfortunately such companies have the money, and our voices seem to be heard less and less.

If you object to this proposed development, please try to attend the public inquiry at some point and show the feeling against it – and please God the inspector will advise the Secretary of State against it, and he will refuse it.

Janet Feasey

Stratton

Fairer voting

GORDON Brown advocates putting electoral reform to the electorate, but it should be recognised that any form of proportional representation gives power to political parties, not the individual voter – though this is not to say the first past the post system cannot be improved.

Ever since the Liberals refused to give up when the Labour Party was formed, there have been few if any occasions when a party has gained power with a majority vote. They have certainly had a majority of seats, but not of votes.

People are often heard to grumble that governments do not have a mandate to introduce change when a majority of electors did not vote for it. A truer indication of voters' wishes could easily be established.

At a General Election or by-election, if a candidate received over half the vote it would ensure election as MP for the constituency.

If that target is not reached by one of the candidates, a second contest should be arranged between the two with the highest number of votes, giving a better chance of the country having a government with the greater number of seats and supported by the majority of the voters.

William Scott

East Lothian

Self-styled VIP

TORY MP Sir Nicholas Winterton travels first class by rail because he reckons he is different to standard class travellers. Yes, very different, because the standard class passengers pay their fare, whereas this pompous self-styled VIP claims travelling expenses as well as other expenses paid for by the taxpayers.

Why does he assume the standard class passengers are going on holiday or visiting? They could be on their way to work to earn the money to pay taxes for expenses for MPs like Sir Nicholas.

He says he travels first class so that he can work without being distracted by standard class passengers, who "are a totally different type of people".

Who wants to be like him anyway, and what is this work he says he does?

Mrs Lilian Carter

Paul, Penzance

Strategy is rumbled

WHEN New Labour won the General Election in 1997, throughout the country Labour also had the majority of district and county councillors.

This position did not last long, and over the last few years people have begin to realise what a complete mess Labour has made of government.

The majority of councillors are now Conservative, and as this position gradually came about central government starved districts and counties of funds, and councils have had to make cuts in services.

No councillor, whatever his or her political colour, became a councillor to make cuts. People became councillors "to make a difference".

Local councils and their councillors have taken the blame for reductions in services, but the fault lies entirely with this Labour Government.

We are all aware that Messrs Blair and Brown are experts in wriggling out of problems they cause, but most people can now recognise the Labour strategy of increasing funds to some areas and taking the credit, and reducing funds to other areas and blaming others for the cuts.

A J Wilkinson

Ottery St Mary

Benn a vote-winner

WE will be voting for Labour. We agree with Hilary Benn and all he stands for against the cruelty of tearing wild animals to pieces for "sport".

As a civilised society, hunting with hounds has no place in modern Britain.

What is wrong with "trail hunting", where a "scent" is laid down to follow and there is no kill? Everyone can then can have an enjoyable ride.

Yes – we will be voting Labour for sure.

Thank you for printing our letters, and for the wonderful local views – we love them.

Monica Thorne

Plymouth